Why is this medication prescribed?

Calan, the generic name for verapamil, is a medication primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), certain types of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and chest pain (angina). It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers, which work by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, thus reducing blood pressure and alleviating chest pain.

How should this medicine be used?

Calan (verapamil) is typically taken orally with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. Here are some general guidelines for using Calan:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Always take Calan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not alter the dosage or stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Dosage: The dosage of Calan can vary depending on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for you. It’s essential to adhere to the prescribed dosage schedule.
• Swallow whole: Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets unless instructed otherwise by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Consistency: Take Calan at the same time(s) each day to maintain a consistent level of medication in your body. This helps ensure its effectiveness.
• Do not skip doses: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• Continue treatment: Even if you feel well, continue taking Calan as prescribed by your doctor. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so it’s essential to keep taking your medication even if you feel fine.
• Regular check-ups: Your doctor may need to monitor your blood pressure and heart function regularly while you’re taking Calan. Attend all scheduled appointments to ensure the medication is working effectively and to address any concerns or side effects.
• Avoid grapefruit: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Calan and lead to potentially dangerous side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit products while taking this medication.
• Do not stop abruptly: If you need to stop taking Calan for any reason, consult your doctor first. Suddenly stopping the medication can lead to rebound high blood pressure or other complications.

Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about how to use Calan or if you experience any side effects while taking it.

Other uses for this medicine

Some examples of off-label uses for Calan may include:

• Migraine prevention: Some healthcare providers may prescribe Calan off-label for the prevention of migraines, particularly in cases where other treatments have not been effective.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon: Calan may be used off-label to help manage symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes, leading to numbness, tingling, and color changes in the affected areas.
• Bipolar disorder: Calan may be used off-label as an adjunctive treatment for certain aspects of bipolar disorder, particularly for stabilizing mood swings and preventing episodes of mania or hypomania.
• Cluster headaches: In some cases, Calan may be prescribed off-label to help prevent cluster headaches, a type of severe headache that occurs in clusters or cycles.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Calan:

• Allergy: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to verapamil or any other medications. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
• Medical history: Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have certain heart conditions (such as heart failure, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), liver disease, kidney disease, or certain muscle conditions (such as myasthenia gravis).
• Medication interactions: Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements, as they may interact with Calan. Avoid starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of any medications without consulting your doctor.
• Grapefruit interaction: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Calan, as it can interact with the medication and lead to potentially dangerous side effects.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the safety of Calan during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing Calan in these situations.
• Driving and operating machinery: Be cautious when driving or operating machinery while taking Calan, as it may cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can impair your ability to perform these tasks safely.

It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and advice regarding the use of Calan, including any special precautions, to ensure safe and effective treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about Calan or its use, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Calan, as it can interact with the medication and lead to potentially dangerous side effects.
• Maintain a balanced diet low in salt (sodium) and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as recommended by your doctor or a registered dietitian.
• If you have any dietary restrictions or concerns, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• If you miss a dose of Calan, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not double the dose to catch up. Taking two doses close together may increase the risk of side effects.
• If you are unsure about what to do, or if you miss multiple doses, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Calan (verapamil) can cause various side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Swelling in the ankles or feet (peripheral edema)
• Rash or itching

Less common but potentially serious side effects may include:

• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Shortness of breath
• Worsening chest pain (angina)
• Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual tiredness
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing

These are not all the possible side effects of Calan. If you experience any other symptoms that are persistent or bothersome, or if you have any concerns about side effects while taking Calan, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Additionally, if you experience any severe or potentially life-threatening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. It’s essential to report any side effects to your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective management of your condition.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Calan:

• Store Calan (verapamil) at room temperature away from light and moisture.
• Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not store Calan in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink, as moisture and heat can affect the medication’s stability.
• If you have any unused or expired Calan tablets, dispose of them properly according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal instructions.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an overdose of Calan, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. Overdose symptoms may include severe dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, slow heartbeat, or loss of consciousness. Be prepared to provide information about the medication, the amount ingested, and any symptoms experienced.

What other information should I know?

• Keep all appointments with your doctor for monitoring your condition and response to Calan.
• Do not share Calan with others, even if they have similar symptoms, as it may not be suitable for their condition.
• Carry identification or a medical alert card indicating that you are taking Calan, especially if you have certain heart conditions or allergies.
• Notify all healthcare providers involved in your care, including dentists and pharmacists, that you are taking Calan, as it may interact with other medications or procedures.
• If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon or anesthesiologist that you are taking Calan, as it may affect anesthesia or other medications used during the procedure.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and advice regarding the use, storage, and disposal of Calan to ensure safe and effective treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about Calan or its use, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.