Calan (Verapamil)

        Slowing of transmembrane transportation of Ca2+ ions to cells of the coronary arteries (the arteries supplying the heart) and other arteries of the body Verampil relaxes smooth muscles of arteries. The active component of the drug is verapamil hydrochloride. The medication is used to treat stenocardia, supraventricular tachycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrial tachyarrhythmia, atrial flutter, atrial arrhythmia, hypertension, hypertensive crisis, primary pulmonary hypertension.

        Patients with stenocardia or supraventricular tachycardia should take Verampil three times a day, those with arterial hypertension taken it twice a day. The dosage depends on the disease, age and should be individually administered depending on severeness of the condition. Consult your doctor before to take the medication.

        Verampil can influence thinking or reactions, thus special carefulness is necessary during driving or actions requiring concentration of attention and fast reaction. Do not get up too fast if you sit or lie as it may cause dizziness. Avoid drinking alcohol and consult your doctor if you drink grapefruit juice as its interaction with Verampil may lead to potentially dangerous effects.

        Hypersensitivity, severe arterial hypotension pregnancy, breast-feeding, atrioventricular block (first and second degree), sinoatrial blockade, sick sinus syndrome (except the patients with a cardiostimulator), Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW), Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome in combination with atrial fibrillation/flutter. Some other conditions require careful use of Verampil. Do not take the medication unless it is prescribed to you and take it only as it is administered by your physician.

Usual side effects of Verampil are:

• an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or a slow heart rate (bradycardia),

• constipation, 

• dizziness, 

• nausea,

• low blood pressure, 

• headaches. 

• chest pain,

• heart attacks or strokes, 

• significant water retention,

• especially accompanied by difficulty breathing, 

• signs of very low blood pressure, 

• such as dizziness, 

• lightheadedness, or fainting, 

• hallucinations or other psychotic problems, 

• breast enlargement in men, 

• any signs of an allergic reaction, 

• including an unexplained rash, 

• hives, 

• itching, 

• unexplained swelling, 

• wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing are observed, 

• seek for immediate medical attention.

        Dangerous heart slowing may appear if Verampil is taken concurrently with a beta-blocker. This medication increases the concentration of digoxin, theophylline, carbamazepine, myorelaxants in blood so levels of these drugs should be monitored to avoid toxicity. In some patients blood levels of lithium maybe reduced.

        If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time of the next intake by your schedule. If so skip the missed dose. Do not try to compensate for a missed dose by taking an extra one.

        If you suspect that you took too much of Verampil and feel slow heartbeat and fainting seek for immediate medical attention.

        The medication should be stored at room temperature 15-30 C (59-86 F) in a light-resistant box.