Calan

Calan is a prescription drug used to treat angina and specific types of chest pain (high blood pressure). Calan is a member of the calcium channel blocker drug subclass.Calcium channel blockers function by calming the blood vessel and heart muscles. The heart rate and blood pressure are lowered by this action.Tablets of Calan are available and are typically taken three to four times daily. Calan frequently causes headaches, lightheadedness, fatigue, and nausea.People with liver or kidney disease, as well as those with specific heart conditions, should use Calan with caution. Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements, as Calan can interact with other drugs. Users of Welzo can use this article for informational purposes to better understand Calan. Users of Welzo can use this article for informational purposes to better understand Calan.
Overview
Uses
Side Effects
Medication
Ingredients
Supplements
Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics

Following oral administration, calan is quickly and completely absorbed from the digestive tract. Calan has a bioavailability of about 64%. After oral administration, peak plasma concentrations of Calan are reached in 1 to 2 hours.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) extensively metabolizes calan in the liver to produce inactive metabolites. The primary metabolite, norverapamil, has pharmacologic properties that are comparable to those of verapamil.

About 70% of the dose of verapamil and its metabolites are excreted in the urine, with the remaining 30% passing primarily through the feces.

Verapamil has an elimination half-life of 3–4 hours.

For specific dosing advice, speak to your healthcare provider.

Drug Interactions

Calan can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Calan can interact with the following medications:

* quinidine

* digitalis

* cimetidine

* ranitidine

* ketoconazole

* itraconazole

* fluconazole

* erythromycin

* clarithromycin

* grapefruit juice

Calan can also interact with certain herbs and supplements. Tell your doctor about all the herbs and supplements you are taking. Herbs and supplements that can interact with Calan include:

* St. John’s wort

* Ginseng

* Garlic

* Ginger

* Horse chestnut seed extract

Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications and herbs and supplements you are taking before starting Calan.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Calan include:

* headache

* dizziness

* fatigue

* nausea

Some side effects of Calan can be serious. If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately:

* slow or irregular heartbeat

* shortness of breath

* chest pain

* swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs

a rare but serious side effect of Calan is a condition called AV block, which can be life-threatening. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Dosage and Administration

Calan should be administered twice daily at an 80 mg starting dose. Depending on how you react to the medication, your doctor may change the dose you are given. The maximum daily dose advised is 480 mg.

Taking Calan with or without food is an option. Calan should be taken with food if you have stomach discomfort.

Take your missed Calan dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Never take two Calan doses at the same time.

Overdose

Call your doctor or visit the closest emergency room if you accidentally take too much Calan.


Storage

Store Calan away from heat and light at room temperature. Keep Calan away from children and animals.

This information is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice. The information presented here is not meant to replace consultations with a healthcare professional. A healthcare professional should always be consulted before beginning or changing any treatment. This medication guide does not include all interactions that might occur. Consult your physician, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any concerns about the medications you are taking.