Calan-based medications can be prescribed for several heart and blood pressure problems. The fast-acting brands (Calan and Isoptin) are taken for angina (chest pain due to clogged cardiac arteries), as well as irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. The longer-acting brands (Calan SR, Isoptin SR, Verelan, and Verelan PM) are typically used only for high blood pressure. Covera-HS is prescribed for both high blood pressure and angina.
Calan is a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker. It eases the heart's workload by slowing down the passage of nerve impulses through it, and hence the contractions of the heart muscle. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body, reduces blood pressure, corrects irregular heartbeat, and helps prevent angina pain.
Some doctors also prescribe Calan to prevent migraine headache and asthma and to treat manic depression and panic attacks.
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Calan regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Calan; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Calan does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
- upper respiratory infection;
- slow heartbeat;
- shortness of breath;
- rash;
- nausea;
- low blood pressure;
- headache;
- fluid retention;
- fatigue;
- dizziness;
- constipation;
- congestive heart failure;
FOR CALAN AND ISOPTIN
Dosages of Calan must be adjusted to meet individual needs. In general, dosages of Calan should not exceed 480 mg per day. Your doctor will closely monitor your response to Calan, usually within 8 hours of the first dose.
Safety and effectiveness of Calan in children have not been established.
Angina
The usual initial dose is 80 to 120 mg, 3 times a day. Lower doses of 40 mg 3 times a day may be used by people who have a stronger response to Calan, such as the elderly or those with decreased liver function. The dosage may be increased by your doctor either daily or weekly until the desired response is seen.
Irregular Heartbeat
The usual dose in people who are also on digitalis ranges from 240 to 320 mg per day divided into 3 or 4 doses.
In those not on digitalis, doses range from a total of 240 to 480 mg per day divided into 3 or 4 doses.
Maximum effects of Calan should be seen in the first 48 hours of use.
High Blood Pressure
Effects of Calan on blood pressure should be seen within the first week of use. Any adjustment of Calan to a higher dose will be based on its effectiveness as determined by your doctor.
The usual dose of Calan, when used alone for high blood pressure, is 80 mg, 3 times per day. Total daily doses of 360 mg and 480 mg may be used. Smaller doses of 40 mg 3 times per day may be taken by smaller individuals and the elderly.
FOR CALAN SR, ISOPTIN SR, AND VERELAN
Dosages for high blood pressure should be adjusted to meet each individual's needs.
Adults
The usual starting dose of Calan SR and Isoptin SR is 180 mg taken in the morning. For Verelan, it is 240 mg. A lower starting dose of 120 mg may be taken if the person is smaller. Your doctor will monitor your response to Calan and may adjust it each week. In addition, your doctor may increase the dose and add evening doses to the morning dose, based on the effectiveness of the drug.
You should see results from the drug within a week.
Children
The safety and effectiveness of Calan in children under age 18 have not been established.
Older Adults
Your doctor may start you at a lower dose of 120 mg and then adjust it according to your response.
FOR COVERA-HS AND VERELAN PM
Adults
For use only at bedtime, these delayed-action forms of Calan are timed to deliver their peak benefits in the morning, when blood pressure tends to spike. The usual starting dose is 180 mg of Covera-HS or 200 mg of Verelan PM. Your doctor may raise the dose gradually if you need more.
Children
Safety and effectiveness in children under age 18 have not been established.
Older Adults
If you have poor kidneys, the dosage may need to be lowered.
