Calan

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

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

low blood pressure

an unusual or allergic reaction to verapamil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

cisapride

disopyramide

dofetilide

grapefruit juice

hawthorn

pimozide

red yeast rice

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

barbiturates such as phenobarbital

cimetidine

cyclosporine

lithium

local anesthetics or general anesthetics

medicines for heart rhythm problems like amiodarone, digoxin, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine

medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems

medicines for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin

rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine

theophylline or aminophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

difficulty breathing

dizziness or light headedness

fainting

fast heartbeat, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain

skin rash

slow heartbeat

swelling of the legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

constipation

facial flushing

headache

nausea, vomiting

sexual dysfunction

weakness or tiredness

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.