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:: Overview :: Precautions :: Side Effects :: Further Reading Search results last updated: 9/13/2008

Generic & Brand Name : Source: (RXList)

Brand Name : Calan
Generic Name : Verapamil HCl

Overview (Source: MedicineNet)
Verapamil belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers . These medications block the movement of calcium into the muscle cells of the coronary arteries (the arteries supplying the heart) as well as the other arteries of the body. Since calcium is what triggers contraction of muscles, blocking entry of calcium relaxes the arterial muscles. This relaxation allows the arteries to become larger so that more blood can flow through them. Thus, verapamil is useful in treating and preventing chest pain ( angina ) resulting from spasm (contraction) of the coronary arteries that reduces the flow of blood to the heart. Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries in the rest of the body lowers blood pressure and thereby reduces the pressure against which the heart must pump blood. As a result, the heart works less and requires less oxygen-carrying blood. This allows the heart to work with the reduced flow of blood caused by coronary artery disease and prevents angina (which occurs whenever the flow of blood to the heart is inadequate). For more detailed information related to coronary artery disease, please read the Chest Pain, Cholesterol , and Heart Attack articles. Verapamil also decreases the conduction of electrical impulses through the heart that control the coordination of contraction. As a result, the rate of contraction slows. Verapamil was approved by the FDA in March, 1982. ...
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DrugDigestWhat is/are Calan SR Sustained-Release Caplet?
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Precautions (Source: MedLinePlus)
Before taking verapamil, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to verapamil or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin, carbamazepine (Tegretol); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); fentanyl (Duragesic); heart and blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers, digoxin (Lanoxin), disopyramide (Norpace), flecainide (Tambocor), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), diuretics ('water pills'), or any other blood pressure lowering medication; lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications to treat depression; medications to treat glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye); phenobarbital; rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); theophylline (Theo-Dur); and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease, muscular dystrophy, or gastrointestinal obstruction (strictures). tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking verapamil, call your doctor. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking verapamil. you should know that verapamil may increase the effects of alcohol and make them last longer. ...
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Side Effects (Source: MedLinePlus)
Verapamil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: constipation; dizziness or lightheadedness; headache; upset stomach; heartburn; excessive tiredness; flushing (feeling of warmth); slow heartbeat; vivid, unusual dreams. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs; difficulty breathing or swallowing; fainting; rash; yellowing of the skin or eyes; fever; increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina). If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html ] or by phone [1-800-332-1088]. ...
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Further Reading on calan

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