Information about Calan SR (Verapamil ER)
Calan SR is an extended-release (ER) formulation of the medication Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker. It is primarily used to treat conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and certain types of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). The extended-release formulation allows for sustained action, making it convenient for once-daily use.
Product Highlights
- Calan SR is prescribed to treat high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart.
- It is used to prevent chest pain (angina) by improving blood flow to the heart.
- Calan SR can be used to manage certain arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia, by slowing down the heart rate and restoring normal rhythm.
- It can also help control the heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, which are types of irregular heart rhythms.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- By relaxing blood vessels and decreasing heart rate, Calan SR helps lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage.
- Helps reduce chest pain (angina) by improving the oxygen supply to the heart.
- Slows down heart rate in conditions like atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and supraventricular tachycardia, helping to restore normal rhythm and improve overall heart function.
- The extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing, providing convenience and improving adherence to treatment.
Direction of Use
- The usual starting dose of Calan SR is 180 mg once a day. The dose may be adjusted based on the patient’s response and the specific condition being treated.
- Take Calan SR orally, once a day. Swallow the tablet whole without crushing or chewing, as this can affect the controlled release of the medication.
- It can be taken with or without food, but it’s important to take it at the same time each day for consistency.
- Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is important to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and adjust the dosage if necessary.
Safety Concerns
- Verapamil can slow the heart rate and may cause heart block, especially in patients with existing heart conditions. Monitoring of heart rate and electrocardiogram (ECG) may be necessary.
- Verapamil is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Patients with liver or kidney impairment should be closely monitored, and dosage adjustments may be required.
- Verapamil may cause low blood pressure, especially when used with other antihypertensive medications. Watch for symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.
- One of the common side effects of verapamil is constipation, which can be bothersome but usually resolves with time or dietary changes.
- Verapamil interacts with a variety of other medications, including beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs, and certain statins. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all the medications you are taking.
Avoid Calan SR (Verapamil ER) If
- If you have a known allergy to verapamil or other calcium channel blockers, you should avoid this medication.
- Calan SR should not be used if you have a heart block or a very low heart rate (bradycardia), as it can worsen these conditions.
- If you have severely low blood pressure, taking Calan SR may cause further lowering of blood pressure, which can be dangerous.
- Verapamil is metabolized by the liver, and in patients with severe liver dysfunction, the medication may accumulate to dangerous levels.
- Calan SR should be used with caution during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. It should be avoided if breastfeeding, as the drug can pass into breast milk and affect the infant.
- If you have severe kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose or avoid prescribing Calan SR.
- Verapamil should not be combined with certain medications like beta-blockers, as this can excessively slow down heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, be cautious with drugs that affect liver enzymes, as they may alter verapamil’s effectiveness.
