What is/are Calan tablets?
VERAPAMIL is used for treating supraventricular tachycardia, a rhythm disturbance of the heart. It is also used for controlling heart rate response to other rhythm disturbances, specifically atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker. It works by slowing the electrical conduction in the heart, slowing heart rate, and/or normalizing heart rhythm.
Sustained-release (SR), extended-release (ER, XR, or XL), time-release or timed-release, controlled-release (CR), or continuous-release (CR or Contin) pills are tablets or capsules formulated to dissolve slowly and release a drug over time. The advantages of sustained-release tablets or capsules are that they can often be taken less frequently than instant-release formulations of the same drug, and that they keep steadier levels of the drug in the bloodstream.
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- heart or blood vessel disease
- heart rhythm disturbances such as sick sinus syndrome, ventricular arrhythmias, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome
- liver or kidney disease, muscular dystrophy, or neurologic disease
- low blood pressure
- an unusual or allergic reaction to verapamil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- heart problems, including a very slow heart rate, or heart valve disease
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
- beta-blockers , disopyramide, ketolides or macrolides
- Rifampin
- aldosterone blockers, beta-blockers, carbamazepine, digoxin, dofetilide, eletriptan, erythromycin, flecainide, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, lithium, nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, quinazolines, quinidine or theophyllines
- grapefruit juice
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Calan may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness or light headedness
- fainting
- fast heartbeat, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
- skin rash
- slow heartbeat
- swelling of the legs or ankles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation
- facial flushing
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
- sexual dysfunction
- weakness or tiredness
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Where should I keep this medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
