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Verapamil

 

Verapamil (generic Calan) Review

brand names: Calan, Isoptin
generic names: Verapamil, Verapamil hydrochloride, Verapamil Hydrochloride

How does it work?

Verapamil hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers, which act on the heart and blood vessels. Verapamil slows the movement of calcium through cells, which has two results. Firstly, it decreases the rate at which the heart beats. As a result, the heart uses less energy and the pain of angina is prevented or relieved. Secondly, it has a mild widening effect on blood vessels and therefore reduces blood pressure.

How to use Verapamil (Calan) :

Use Verapamil (Calan) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• If you miss a dose of Verapamil (Calan) , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• Do not use Verapamil (Calan) if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Verapamil (Calan) is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Verapamil at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Verapamil (Calan) . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Verapamil (Calan) .

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•constipation problems
•heart or blood vessel disease
•heart rhythm disturbances such as other medicines, foods, dyes, sick sinus syndrome, or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome
•liver or kidney disease
•neuromuscular disease

Why should Calan not be prescribed?

If you have low blood pressure or certain types of heart disease or heartbeat irregularities, you should not take Verapamil (Calan). Make sure the doctor is aware of any cardiac problems you may have.

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Calan or any other brands of Verapamil (Calan), or other calcium channel blockers, do not take this medication.

Label warnings

• This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.
  
  

How should I take Verapamil (Calan)?

Take Verapamil (Calan) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, nurse, ask your pharmacist, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take Covera-HS and Verelan PM at bedtime.

If you have trouble swallowing the Verelan pellet-filled capsules, they can be opened and the contents can be sprinkled onto cold, soft food such as applesauce. This mixture must be swallowed without chewing. Use the mixture immediately. Do not save it for later use. (Do not use this procedure for the Verelan PM capsules.)

Do not crush, chew, or break extended-release forms of Verapamil (Calan) such as Covera-HS and Verelan PM. Swallow them whole. Generic Verapamil SR, Isoptin SR, and Calan SR may be divided in half if the tablets are scored, but should not be crushed or chewed.

If you are taking Covera-HS, do not be concerned if you find what looks like an undissolved tablet in your stool. This medication is formulated with an outer shell that does not dissolve. This shell allows the medicine to be released slowly into your body before it is passed out in the stool.

It is important to take Verapamil (Calan) regularly to get the most benefit.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

Verelan, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Calan, Verelan PM, and generic forms of regular-release Verapamil (Calan) can be taken with or without food. Taking the medication with food may reduce stomach upset if it occurs.

Calan SR, Isoptin SR, and generic sustained-release Verapamil (Verapamil (Calan) SR) may be more likely to cause stomach upset and should be taken with food to reduce this side effect.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Verapamil (Calan). The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, or other medical evaluations during treatment with Verapamil (Calan) to monitor progress and side effects.

Store Verapamil (Calan) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.