Calan

Calan (Verapamil) may be described as a calcium ion influx inhibitor (a slow – channel blocker or a calcium ion antagonist). This medication relaxes blood vessels, hence improving blood flow to the heart. In certain conditions, Calan (Verapamil) effectively controls one’s heart rate as well.

Furthermore, Calan (Verapamil) may be described as an almost white, crystalline powder, which possesses a bitter taste and is practically odorless. This medication is known to dissolve in water, Chloroform and Methanol.

Calan (Verapamil) is used to help effectively treat Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and high blood pressure. If this medication is taken regularly, it can help effectively control chest pain (this medication does not stop the pain once it commences), electrical impulses within the heart and hypertension.

Furthermore, in the case of chest pain, your health care professional may prescribe a different medication for you as well (other than Calan (Verapamil).

Calan (Verapamil) is available in the regular tablet form and in the form of an extended – release (long – acting) tablet and capsule, which must be taken by mouth. The regular tablet must be taken three times a day and the extended – release tablet and capsule must be taken once or twice a day. You must be certain to swallow Calan (Verapamil) whole, with a full glass of water and refrain from chewing, dividing or crushing the extended – release tablet and capsule.

Furthermore, you must be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of, this medication you do not understand. Special care may be required pertaining to the use of Calan (Verapamil) in children.

Lastly, you must also be sure to take Calan (Verapamil) exactly as directed and refrain from taking a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether taking this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. Be sure that you do not suddenly discontinue this medication without prior confirmation from your health care professional.

While on an ongoing course of Calan (Verapamil) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below, or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.

Sometimes, Calan (Verapamil) may cause the patient to experience a swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms or legs, marginal respiratory or swallowing complications, fainting spells and mild muscle cramps.

Furthermore, Calan (Verapamil) may cause the patient to experience constipation, flushing, skin rashes, nausea, fatigue, mild abdominal pain and fever.

Lastly, while on an ongoing course of Calan (Verapamil), speak with your health care professional prior to using salt substitutes containing Potassium. But, if your health care professional has prescribed a low – salt or low – sodium diet, you must follow the instructions carefully.

If you are on an ongoing course of Calan (Verapamil) before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.

Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Calan (Verapamil) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.

Sometimes, Calan (Verapamil) interacts with various medications, such as Aspirin, Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Fentanyl (Duragesic), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Disopyramide (Norpace), Flecainide (Tambocor) and Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex).

Furthermore, Calan (Verapamil) interacts with various medications, such as Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Phenobarbital, Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), Theophylline (Theo – Dur), heart and varied blood pressure medications, medications to treat depression and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), diuretics (water pills) and medications such as beta – blockers and vitamins.

In case of an overdose of Calan (Verapamil), call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Furthermore, an overdose of Calan (Verapamil) may cause one to experience rapid, slow or irregular heartbeats, dizziness and fainting spells.

Your health care professional will order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Calan (Verapamil), monitor your progress and check for side effects.
You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory.

Your health care professional will check your pulse (heart rate) on a day – to – day basis, letting you know how fast it should be. If your pulse (heart rate) is slower than normal, speak with your health care professional about taking Calan (Verapamil) for that particular day.

It is necessary for you to know that the extended – release tablet after being swallowed, does not dissolve, but gradually releases medicine as it passes through the small intestine. It is common to see the Calan (Verapamil) tablet shell removed when you pass a stool.
Do not let anyone else share your prescribed dosage of Calan (Verapamil) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery including dental surgery, or you conceive whilst on a course of Calan (Verapamil) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. Calan (Verapamil) is absorbed into breast milk.

Avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of this medication. Calan (Verapamil) increases the effects of alcohol making them last for longer intervals of time. It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional.

It is important that you do not take a double dose of Calan (Verapamil) to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.

Calan (Verapamil) is also used to treat migraine headaches and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, you must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Calan (Verapamil) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.

Store Calan (Verapamil) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.

Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Calan (Verapamil) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. You must speak with your pharmacist or health care professional about the proper disposal of this medication.

It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Calan (Verapamil); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from a brain tumor (malignant or otherwise), liver complications, muscular dystrophy (a nerve – muscle disorder), heart complications, Strictures (gastrointestinal obstructions), very low blood pressure or kidney complications.