Calan SR Tablet 240 mg

About Calan SR Tablet 240 mg

Uses

• Mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Chronic stable angina pectoris (prevention of exercise induced chest pain)
• Long term heart rate control in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter
• Prevention of recurrent supraventricular tachycardia episodes

Benefits

• Sustained release formulation maintains steady drug levels over 24 hours
• Once or twice daily dosing improves adherence compared to immediate release verapamil
• Lowers blood pressure and reduces frequency of angina attacks
• Slows heart rate and reduces oxygen demand on the heart muscle

What Experts Say

Physicians favor Calan SR 240mg over immediate release verapamil when a patient needs steady blood pressure and heart rate control across the day. The sustained release matrix avoids the sharp peaks and troughs seen with three times daily dosing, which matters most in patients who also have coronary artery disease.

As a phenylalkylamine calcium channel blocker, verapamil relaxes coronary and peripheral arteries while slowing conduction through the AV node. This dual action lowers blood pressure, reduces angina frequency, and controls ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation. Because of its strong AV node effect, doctors avoid it in patients with existing heart block or sick sinus syndrome unless a pacemaker is already fitted.

Doctors individualize dosing, starting elderly patients and those with liver or kidney impairment on lower doses with close monitoring for bradycardia or low blood pressure. Verapamil should never be stopped abruptly after long term use, since sudden discontinuation can trigger rebound angina. Constipation remains the most common dose related complaint reported during follow up visits.

Drug Class

• Calcium Channel Blocker (Phenylalkylamine class)
• Antihypertensive
• Antianginal
• Antiarrhythmic

Calan SR Tablet 240 mg formula

• Verapamil Hydrochloride 240mg

Available forms

• Tablet SR

How to use Calan SR Tablet 240 mg?

• Take Calan SR Tablet 240mg by mouth, usually once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water
• Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet, since breaking the sustained release coating can release the full dose at once and increase the risk of side effects
• Take the tablet at the same time each day to maintain a steady blood level
• Can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, since abrupt discontinuation can worsen angina or raise blood pressure
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case skip the missed dose

Drug Interactions

• Beta blockers: combined use can cause severe bradycardia or heart block
• Digoxin: verapamil raises digoxin blood levels, requiring a dose reduction and monitoring
• Statins such as atorvastatin and simvastatin: verapamil increases their blood levels, raising the risk of muscle related side effects
• Anticoagulants such as dabigatran: verapamil can raise blood levels and bleeding risk
• Colchicine: combined use is not recommended due to increased toxicity risk
• Grapefruit juice: increases verapamil blood levels and side effects
• Rifampicin and other strong CYP3A4 inducers: can reduce verapamil effectiveness
• Other blood pressure lowering medicines: may cause an additive drop in blood pressure
• Ivabradine: combined use is contraindicated due to bradycardia risk

Risks and warnings

• Not recommended for patients with cardiogenic shock, severe low blood pressure, or uncontrolled heart failure
• Avoid use in second or third degree AV block or sick sinus syndrome unless a pacemaker is already fitted
• Use with caution in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction below 35 percent
• Can cause significant bradycardia (slow heart rate), especially when combined with beta blockers or digoxin
• Use cautiously in patients with liver or kidney impairment, since drug clearance is reduced
• May cause constipation, particularly in elderly patients and with long term use
• Avoid grapefruit juice, which can raise verapamil blood levels and increase side effects
• Should not be stopped abruptly after long term use, taper the dose under medical supervision
• Not recommended within 7 days of an acute heart attack in patients with lung congestion or reduced heart function
• Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk, after consulting a doctor

Calan SR Tablet 240 mg Side Effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Nausea and abdominal discomfort
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Flushing of the face or skin
• Swelling of the ankles or feet (peripheral edema)
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Palpitations
• Gum swelling with long term use
• Skin rash in rare cases

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature, below 30°C
• Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack until ready to use
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack