Cardiovascular Diseases, HypertensionCalan (Generic)
Generic drugs, marketed without brand names, contain the exact same active ingredients used in their brand-name counterparts, but cost significantly less. The drugs are required to meet US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for safety, purity and effectiveness.
Calan
A change in the normal rhythm of the heart called supraventricular tachycardia can be treated with the medication generic Calan. Additionally, it is utilized for the purpose of modulating the response of the heart rate to other rhythm disorders, particularly atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
Calan, known generically as verapamil, is a medication that belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. It is primarily used to treat various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain types of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Calan works by relaxing the muscles of the heart and blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow and reducing the heart's workload. This article delves into the pharmacology, therapeutic uses, side effects, contraindications, and other essential aspects of Calan.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Calan exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells. Calcium ions play a crucial role in the contraction of these muscles. By blocking calcium entry, Calan causes:
Vasodilation: Relaxation of vascular smooth muscle leads to the dilation of arteries, reducing peripheral vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure.
Negative Inotropic Effect: Reduced calcium influx in cardiac muscle cells decreases the force of myocardial contraction.
Negative Chronotropic Effect: Slowed conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node results in a decreased heart rate.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Calan is well absorbed after oral administration, with a bioavailability of approximately 20-35% due to first-pass metabolism in the liver.
Distribution: It is widely distributed in the body and is highly protein-bound (about 90%).
Metabolism: Calan undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism via the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, primarily CYP3A4.
Excretion: The metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine, with a small portion eliminated in the feces.
Therapeutic Uses
1. Hypertension
Calan is effective in managing hypertension by reducing systemic vascular resistance. It is often used when patients do not respond adequately to other antihypertensive agents or when they have comorbid conditions that benefit from calcium channel blockade.
2. Angina Pectoris
Calan is used to treat both chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal's angina). By dilating coronary arteries and reducing myocardial oxygen demand, it helps alleviate chest pain and prevent angina episodes.
3. Arrhythmias
Calan is particularly effective in managing supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. By slowing conduction through the AV node, it helps control ventricular rate.
4. Other Uses
Migraine Prophylaxis: Calan is sometimes used off-label to prevent migraine headaches.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: It may be used to improve symptoms in patients with this condition.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of Calan varies depending on the condition being treated, the patient's response, and other individual factors. It is available in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and intravenous formulations.
Hypertension: Typically, the initial dose is 80 mg three times daily, which may be increased as needed.
Angina: The usual dose ranges from 80 mg to 120 mg three times daily.
Arrhythmias: For acute management, intravenous verapamil may be administered under medical supervision.
Side Effects
Like all medications, Calan can cause side effects, which may vary in severity. Common side effects include:
Central Nervous System: Dizziness, headache, fatigue.
Other: Peripheral edema, flushing.
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:
Severe hypotension
Heart block
Liver dysfunction
Allergic reactions
Contraindications and Precautions
Calan is contraindicated in patients with:
Severe hypotension
Sick sinus syndrome or second- or third-degree AV block (unless a pacemaker is present)
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Known hypersensitivity to verapamil
Precautions should be taken in patients with:
Liver or kidney impairment
Elderly patients
Those taking other medications that affect heart rate or blood pressure
Drug Interactions
Calan can interact with various medications, potentially altering its efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse effects. Notable interactions include:
Beta-blockers: Increased risk of bradycardia and heart block.
Digoxin: Elevated digoxin levels, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Calan (verapamil) is a versatile and widely used medication in the management of various cardiovascular conditions. Its ability to modulate calcium influx in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells makes it effective in treating hypertension, angina, and certain arrhythmias. However, like all medications, it must be used judiciously, with careful consideration of its potential side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions. Patients should be closely monitored, and dosage adjustments should be made based on individual response and tolerability. With appropriate use, Calan can significantly improve the quality of life for patients with cardiovascular disorders.
Verapamil tablet
What kind of medication is this?
Calcium channels can be blocked by the medication VERAPAMIL. It has an effect on the total quantity of calcium that is located in the cells of your heart and muscles. This causes your blood vessels to relax, which in turn lessens the amount of work that has to be done by your heart. This medication is prescribed to patients suffering from chest discomfort due to angina, excessive blood pressure, and certain disorders where the heart rate has to be controlled.
Before I start using this medication, what information is important for my physician to have?
People have a right to know if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
illness of the heart or blood vessels
abnormalities of the heart's natural rhythm, such as sick sinus syndrome, ventricular arrhythmias, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome
an illness of the liver or kidneys
a lowering in the blood pressure
a response that is unexpected or allergic to verapamil, as well as other drugs, foods, colors, or preservatives
pregnant or attempting to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What is the correct way to take this medication?
This medication should be taken orally with a full glass of water. Do not grind or chew the food. Take this medication with food to lessen the likelihood of it upsetting your stomach. Take your dosages at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more frequently than recommended by the label. Do not stop taking the medication unless specifically directed to do so by your physician or another qualified medical expert.
Have a discussion with your child's physician about the possibility of giving them this medication. It's possible that further attention is required.
In the event that you believe you may have taken an excessive amount of this medication, you should immediately contact a poison control center or an emergency facility.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE That no one else should use this medication. It is important that others not use this medication.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you forget to take a dosage, you should take it as soon as you remember it. Take only that dose if it is getting close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take duplicate or additional dosages.
What other substances could react with this medication?
It is not safe to use this medication with any of the following substances:
cisapride\sdisopyramide
dofetilide grapefruit juice
pimozide red yeast hawthorne rice red yeast rice
Moreover, the following substances might potentially interact with this medication:
substances classified as barbiturates, including phenobarbital and cimetidine
cyclosporine\slithium
either local or general anesthetics may be administered.
Medications such as amiodarone, digoxin, flecainide, procainamide, and quinidine are used to treat issues with cardiac rhythm.
medications for treating heart conditions or high blood pressure
Medications for seizures such as carbamazepine and phenytoin as well as rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine, theophylline, or aminophylline.
It's probable that this list doesn't cover all of the possible interactions. Provide your doctors and other medical staff with a list of any and all medications, herbs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements that you use. Additionally let them know whether you are a smoker, a drinker, or if you take any illicit substances. It's possible that certain things might react badly with your medication.
What side effects should I be on the lookout for while I'm taking this medication?
Do regular checks on both your blood pressure and your pulse rate. Inquire with your primary care physician or another qualified medical expert about the ideal ranges for your blood pressure and pulse rate, as well as the time at which you should follow up with them. Do not suddenly stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Talk to your primary care physician or another qualified medical practitioner about how to go back the dosage gradually.
You may become tired or dizzy. Do not operate a motor vehicle, operate heavy machinery, or engage in any activity that requires mental attention until you have determined how this medication affects you. Take it easy when getting up, especially if you are an older patient who needs medical attention. This lowers the likelihood of experiencing periods of lightheadedness or fainting. Consuming alcohol while taking this medication can make the side effects worse. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
What potential negative reactions may I have to this medication?
You should report the following side effects to your physician or another qualified medical expert as soon as possible:
a struggle to take a breath
symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness
chest discomfort, palpitations, irregular pulse, or fainting are all symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm.
rashes a slowing of the heart rate
legs or ankles that are swollen or swollen both
Adverse effects that, in most cases, do not need seeking medical attention (although you should let your doctor or another health care expert know if they persist or become bothersome):
constipation
a reddening of the face
headache
nausea, vomiting
sexual dysfunction resulting from weakness or fatigue
It's conceivable that this list doesn't cover all of the potential negative consequences.
Where exactly may I store my medication?
Be sure that youngsters can't get their hands on it.
Keep at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Guard against exposure to light and moisture. Maintain a secure lid on the container.
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try out a different kind and see if it was a better fit for my needs. Which it was!
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crossed my mind how much cheaper the generic versions were. When I started browsing the
items I couldn’t believe the price difference! This is my go to shop right now.
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always bought it in store. I spoke to one of their support reps and they were really nice
and helped to explain how it works and made me feel much more comfortable with my order!
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