Calan
Verapamil
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Calan
Calan is a calcium channel blocker group of antihypertensive (used in the treatment of high blood pressure) medicine. Calan blocks entry of the calcium ions in to the muscle cells of the arteries including coronary arteries that supply the heart. Calcium ion is what triggers the contraction of the muscle cells of the blood vessels and if the entry of calcium ion is blocked the muscle cells can not contract and it will cause relaxation of the blood vessels. The relaxation of the blood vessels allows more blood into the arteries and thus Calan is useful in the treatment of angina chest pain that result from reduced (less than required) blood supply to the coronary arteries. Calan relaxes arteries of the rest of the body also thereby reduce blood pressure (heart has to pump against this blood pressure, the higher the blood pressure the higher is the workload of the heart) and if blood pressure is reduced than heart has to work less and will require less oxygen for that. Calan also reduces heart rate by slowing the conduction of electrical impulses to the heart.
Therapeutic Uses of Calan
Calan is used in the treatment of angina, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat etc. Calan is very good in reducing angina pain by increasing blood supply to the heart by causing relaxation and preventing spasm of blood vessels.
Direction of use of Calan
Calan is taken orally (swallowed) with a glass of water (if your doctor advice you otherwise follow that advice). Calan must be taken as per direction to prevent the angina pain. It may not be effective if taken only during attack f angina. Do not stop Calan without consulting your doctor, because if you stop Calan abruptly it may increase the angina pain. If you have to stop Calan, stop it gradually.
Dose of Calan, if Missed
If you miss a dose of Calan take it as soon as you remember it. Do not take 2 doses of Calan and if it is time for the next dose than skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule.
How to Store Calan
Calan should be stored at room temperature i.e. between 68 and 77 degree F. Keep Calan away from reach of children. Keep it in a dry container away from moisture, heat and light.
More Information About Calan
Laboratory tests like liver function tests and kidney function tests should be performed to monitor the side effects of Calan. Never share the medicine with anybody else.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Calan
- If you have to take Calan, you should inform your doctor about your medical history like allergy (mainly drug allergy, food allergy etc.), heart disease (heart failure, stroke, disturbances of heart rhythm etc.), kidney disease, liver disease, history of blood pressure, brain tumor or muscular dystrophy etc.
- If you have to undergo surgery or dental procedure tell your doctor/dentist that you are on Calan.
- Alcohol should be avoided while taking Calan because Calan can prolong the presence of alcohol in the body and also it can intensify the effects of alcohol.
- Calan should be given to the elderly patients with caution.
- Avoid Calan during pregnancy and it should be used only when clearly indicated. Consult your doctor about using Calan during pregnancy about the risks and benefits of it.
- Calan is secreted in the breast milk and it should be avoided during breast feeding. If you must take Calan, than breast feeding should be stopped. Consult your doctor whether you should take Calan or you should breast feed your baby.
Possible Adverse Effects
The following side effects may be seen with Calan and consult your doctor if you get any of the side effects:
- Calan can cause dizziness and lightheadedness in the first few days of treatment with Calan. To avoid these effects or minimize them get up/stand up slowly from lying or sitting position. This allows your body to adjust to the situation. Avoid driving and other work/activity that require alertness when you are on Calan especially in the first few days.
- You may get weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, muscle cramp etc. in the first few days of treatment with Calan. All these effects slowly disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Consult your doctor if these side effects do not disappear or they become troublesome.
- Consult your doctor or other health care provider if you have any of the symptoms like difficulty in breathing, fever, stomach pain, abdominal pain, irregular heart beat, edema of hands and feet, jaundice (yellowness of skin and eyes), dark urine etc.
- You should also consult your doctor if you get any problem that is not listed above.