Drugs & Vitamins

Calan SR Active Ingredients: Verapamil Extended-release   Representative Names: Calan SR, Covera-HS, Isoptin SR, Verelan, Verelan PM Available Product Images: What are verapamil sustained-release tablets or capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with verapamil? What side effects may I notice from taking verapamil? What should I watch for while taking verapamil? Where can I keep my medicine? What are verapamil sustained-release tablets or capsules? (Back to top) VERAPAMIL (Calan® SR, Covera-HS®, Isoptin® SR, Verelan®, Verelan®-PM) is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This results in relaxation of blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. Sustained-release verapamil helps reduce high blood pressure (hypertension) It is not a cure. Generic verapamil sustained-release tablets are available. It is not a good idea to change the brand of your sustained-release product. Your body may respond differently. If you do switch between products you will need careful supervision from your prescriber or health care professional. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •constipation problems •difficulty swallowing (or narrowing of the esophagus) •heart or blood vessel disease •heart rhythm disturbances such as sick sinus syndrome, ventricular arrhythmias, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome •liver or kidney disease •neuromuscular disease such as muscular dystrophy •slow or irregular heartbeat •stomach problems (obstruction) •an unusual or allergic reaction to verapamil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take verapamil sustained-release tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. Do not take with grapefruit juice. Sustained-release tablets (except Covera-HS® tablets) can be broken in half, but do not crush or chew the tablets. If you are taking Verelan® extended-release capsules, the capsule may be opened and the medicine poured into a small amount of applesauce. Stir well and swallow without chewing. Take this medicine with food to reduce stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Covera-HS® tablets and Verelan® PM capsules are designed to be taken at bedtime only; do not take at other times of the day. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Covera-HS® tablets should only be taken once in 24 hours at bedtime; call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you forget a dose. For other tablets or capsules, if it is almost time for your next dose (less than 8 hours) take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with verapamil? (Back to top) Do not take Verapamil with any of the following: •astemizole •cisapride •disopyramide •dofetilide •grapefruit juice •pimozide •terfenadine Verapamil may also interact with the following medications: •alcohol •alfuzosin •alosetron •antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) •barbiturates such as phenobarbital •bosentan •caffeine •certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin) •certain medicines used to treat cancer •certain medicines to treat migraine (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, methysergide) •cevimeline •cilostazol •cimetidine •clonidine •cyclosporine •doxercalciferol •fentanyl •galantamine •herbal or dietary supplements such as ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, St. John's wort, red yeast rice •lithium •local anesthetics or general anesthetics •medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping (examples: alprazolam, buspirone, midazolam, triazolam) •medicines for depression or mental problems (examples: imipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, ziprasidone) •medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole) •medicines for heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, digoxin, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine) •medicines for high cholesterol (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, colesevelam, lovastatin, simvastatin) •medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems •medicines for HIV infection or AIDS •medicines for prostate problems •medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, clonazepam, ethosuximide, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, zonisamide) •methadone •methylprednisolone •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™) •paricalcitol •rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine •sildenafil •sirolimus •sulfinpyrazone •tacrolimus •theophylline or aminophylline •water pills (diuretics) •yohimbine •zafirlukast •zileuton Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking verapamil? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: More common: •dizziness •slow heartbeat (less than 50 beats per minute) •lightheadedness •swelling of the legs or ankles Rare or uncommon: •difficulty breathing •fast heartbeat, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or •fainting •skin rash Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation •facial flushing •headache •nausea, vomiting •sexual dysfunction •weakness or tiredness What should I watch for while taking verapamil? (Back to top) Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking verapamil. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her. If you are taking the Covera-HS® brand of verapamil, you must take the tablets exactly as prescribed. These tablets are designed to release your medicine at a special time, so that you get the most beneficial effect when you get up in the morning. Do not take the tablets at other times unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to. You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how verapamil affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy or increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Do not suddenly stop taking verapamil. Ask your prescriber or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking verapamil. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Last Updated:08/31/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.