Basic Calan Information

Category	Details
INN (International Nonproprietary Name)	Verapamil Hydrochloride
Brand names available in United Kingdom	Calan, Calan SR (Sustained-Release), Securon (discontinued), Generic Verapamil
ATC Code	C08DA01 (Cardiovascular system > Calcium channel blockers > Phenylalkylamine derivatives)
Forms & Dosages	Standard Tablets: 40mg, 80mg, 120mg Sustained-Release (SR) Tablets: 120mg, 240mg (e.g., Calan SR) Intravenous Injection: Specialist hospital use only
Key Manufacturers & Suppliers in United Kingdom	Accord-UK, Teva UK Limited, Advanz Pharma, Essential Pharma. Generic versions widely supplied by multiple pharmaceutical distributors under generic name Verapamil Hydrochloride.
Registration Status	Fully licensed and approved for use across the UK. Product licences (PL) and Marketing Authorisations (MA) are held by suppliers and viewable on the MHRA Products website.
OTC / Rx Classification	Prescription-Only Medicine (POM). Requires a prescription from a doctor or other authorised healthcare professional. Cannot be bought over the counter.

Verapamil hydrochloride, often known under the brand name Calan is a medication primarily used to manage certain heart and blood pressure conditions. It belongs to the class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. Understanding its basic properties and availability helps patients and carers navigate their treatment effectively under medical supervision.

How Calan is Prescribed for High Blood Pressure and Chest Pain

The main reasons a doctor might prescribe Calan tablets or Calan SR include the management of high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle). It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing down the heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and improving blood supply to the heart muscle itself. Treatment duration is usually long-term, meaning patients often take it daily for months or years to control these chronic conditions after starting at the lowest effective dose. Effective management requires consistent use as directed, even when feeling well.

Taking Calan: Considerations for Different Groups

Dosing for verapamil hydrochloride varies depending on factors like age, specific condition being treated, other medications taken, and overall health. Adults typically start on lower doses, which the doctor carefully increases based on response and tolerance. It’s crucial for elderly patients to be monitored closely, as they may be more sensitive to the medicine's effects and often require lower doses. Use in children is less common and only undertaken under specialist paediatric cardiology guidance, starting cautiously with minimal doses. Significant kidney or liver problems usually necessitate lower starting doses and careful dose adjustments after blood tests. Anyone with existing heart rhythm problems or heart failure requires a thorough assessment before using this calcium antagonist.

Important Calan Warnings You Shouldn't Ignore

Some individuals must not take Calan due to potentially serious complications. Key warnings include:

• Serious heart conditions: Avoid if you have very low blood pressure (severe hypotension), certain severe heart rhythm problems like second or third-degree heart block or sick sinus syndrome (unless you have a working pacemaker), or significant heart failure.
• Hypersensitivity: Do not take if you have a known allergy or severe reaction to verapamil hydrochloride or any other ingredient in the tablets.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding requires careful discussion with a doctor, balancing potential benefits against risks to the baby. Verapamil hydrochloride passes into breast milk.
• Other medications: Calan can interact dangerously with numerous common medicines, including beta-blockers, specific statins (like simvastatin), some epilepsy drugs, digoxin, and more. Always provide your pharmacist or doctor with a full medication list.

If you experience symptoms like severe dizziness, fainting, very slow heart rate, intense shortness of breath, or swelling in the ankles, abdomen, or legs, seek medical advice immediately. These could indicate low blood pressure or worsening heart problems.

Getting Calan Prescribed and Approved Treatments in the UK

In the United Kingdom, Calan and its generic versions are prescription-only medicines regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means you cannot buy them without a valid prescription from a GP or hospital consultant. Products are rigorously tested through clinical trials to ensure their safety, quality, and effectiveness before receiving a marketing authorisation within the UK. Pharmacies dispense Calan alongside clear patient information leaflets detailing usage instructions, potential risks such as adverse effects, and what to do if a dose is missed. Verapamil migraine prevention strategies sometimes form part of specialist neurology treatments within NHS guidelines when approved.

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What is Calan and What Conditions Does It Treat?

Calan is a brand name for the medication verapamil hydrochloride, a calcium channel blocker used to manage cardiovascular conditions. Though Calan immediate-release tablets are discontinued in the US, extended-release versions like Calan SR remain available. Verapamil works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing heart workload. It's prescribed primarily for hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain including Prinzmetal's variant), and specific arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia where heart rhythm control is needed.

Calan Verapamil Availability and Brand Names

While Calan SR extended-release tablets are marketed in the US, verapamil is available globally under various names. Key brands include Isoptin SR in Europe and Canada, Covera-HS for evening dosing, and Verelan extended-release capsules. Generics labelled simply as "verapamil" are widely accessible. Packaging varies by country - in Romania, ANMDMR-approved products appear as "Verapamil hidroclorură comprimate" with mandatory prescription warnings. Many formulations offer sustained-release options optimising dose frequency.

How Calan Verapamil Works: Mechanism of Action

Calan verapamil blocks calcium channels in heart muscle and blood vessels preventing calcium entry into cells. This causes coronary and peripheral arteries to widen thus lowering blood pressure and improving heart oxygen supply. In angina patients it reduces chest pain by decreasing cardiac workload. For arrhythmias, it slows electrical conduction through the atrioventricular node helping restore normal rhythm. Its effectiveness makes it valuable in three therapeutic areas though newer calcium channel blockers like amlodipine offer alternatives.

Correct Calan Verapamil Dosage Guidelines

Dosing varies significantly based on condition and formulation:

• Hypertension: 80-120mg immediate-release tablets 3 times daily, or 180-240mg once/twice daily with extended-release forms
• Angina: 80-120mg three times daily with regular tablets
• Arrhythmias: 5-10mg intravenous injections for acute episodes under medical supervision

Elderly patients typically start lower due to increased sensitivity. Dosing requires adjustment for liver or kidney impairment avoiding toxicity. Children's dosing requires specialist cardiology input only.

Potential Calan Verapamil Side Effects

Common reactions include constipation, dizziness, headache and ankle swelling usually manageable with dose adjustment. More serious concerns involve cardiovascular effects: slowed heart rate, low blood pressure symptoms like fainting, or heart block requiring urgent care. Liver impairment may occur especially at high doses. Disclosing all medications helps prevent interactions particularly with beta-blockers or digoxin which increase risks.

Important Calan Verapamil Safety Precautions

Verapamil carries absolute contraindications including existing severe heart block, advanced heart failure, or cardiogenic shock. Use with caution in those with mild cardiac issues, liver/kidney disease, or bradycardia. Never combine with grapefruit juice which elevates blood levels unpredictably. Medication requires storage at room temperature away from humidity. Patients should not interrupt treatment abruptly without medical guidance due to rebound hypertension risks.

Handling Missed Doses and Overdose Situations

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless nearing the next scheduled dose. Doubling doses isn't safe. Overdose symptoms include dangerously low blood pressure, profound slowing of heart rate, and loss of consciousness - all requiring emergency assistance. Hospital treatment may involve intravenous calcium, vasopressors, or cardiac pacing support.

What Is Calan?

Calan is a prescription medication containing verapamil hydrochloride, classified as a calcium channel blocker. In the UK, it's prescribed primarily for cardiovascular conditions. Though the Calan brand itself has been discontinued in the US, verapamil remains widely available under brands like Verelan or generics across NHS pharmacies. This drug regulates heart rhythm and blood pressure by interfering with calcium movement in heart cells and blood vessels. Common formulations include immediate-release tablets (40mg, 80mg, 120mg) and extended-release versions.

What Is Calan Used For?

Doctors prescribe Calan (verapamil) for three primary cardiovascular conditions. For hypertension, it lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. With angina, it improves blood flow to reduce chest pain during exertion or rest. As an arrhythmia treatment, it controls irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation by slowing electrical signals in the heart muscle. Some specialists also use it off-label for migraine prevention or cluster headaches based on clinical assessment.

How Calan Works: Its Action Mechanism

Calan functions by blocking calcium channels in cardiac cells and arterial walls. This calcium restriction relaxes blood vessels, easing blood flow and reducing blood pressure. Simultaneously, it slows electrical conduction through the heart's atrioventricular node, stabilising irregular heartbeats. Unlike beta-blockers, Calan minimally affects lung function, often making it suitable for asthma patients with hypertension. Effects typically begin within 1-2 hours for immediate-release forms.

Calan Dosage Forms, Types, and Strengths

Calan comes in several formulations to suit different treatment needs:

• Immediate-release tablets: 40mg, 80mg, 120mg; taken 3 times daily
• Extended-release tablets/capsules (e.g., Calan SR, Verelan): 120mg, 180mg, 240mg; taken 1-2 times daily
• Covera-HS: Special delayed-release tablets taken at bedtime for morning blood pressure control

Brand availability varies regionally – in the UK, generics like "verapamil hydrochloride" are most common due to Calan brand discontinuation.

Calan Dosage and Administration

Typical Calan dosing varies by condition. For hypertension, start with 80-120mg three times daily (IR) or 180mg once daily (ER), adjusting every 7-14 days. For angina, begin at 80mg three times daily. Intravenous verapamil (5-10mg) might be administered in hospitals for acute arrhythmias. Swallow tablets whole without crushing to maintain release mechanisms. Take with food to minimise stomach upset. Dose changes require cardiovascular monitoring as abrupt adjustments can compromise blood pressure stability.

Special Populations: Considerations Before Taking Calan

Certain groups need tailored Calan management plans.Seniors often start at half the standard dose due to slower metabolism and fall risk from dizziness. Children receive weight-based dosing supervised by paediatric cardiologists. Pregnant women should use it only if alternatives fail, as verapamil crosses the placenta. For breastfeeding mothers, minimal drug transfer occurs in milk, but monitor infants for lethargy. Always discuss specific risks with your GP or cardiologist.

Handling Missed Doses or Suspected Overdose

If you forget a Calan dose, take it unless it's nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Never double-dose. Overdose symptoms include extreme dizziness, fainting, severe weakness or irregular pulse. Contact NHS 111 immediately if overdose is suspected. Emergency treatments may include intravenous fluids, calcium gluconate to counteract calcium blockade, or temporary pacing for heart rhythm disturbances. Always store Calan where children cannot access it.

Calan Storage and Handling

Keep Calan at room temperature (15-25°C), protected from moisture in original packaging. Never transfer tablets to unmarked containers. Discard any expired medication – NHS pharmacies offer safe disposal services. Avoid temperature extremes that could alter drug effectiveness, like leaving it in cars during warm weather. For international travel, carry prescriptions to avoid customs issues.

Understanding Calan Side Effects

Common Calan reactions involve cardiovascular responses or gastrointestinal issues:

• Frequent: Constipation, dizziness, headache, ankle swelling
• Serious: Very slow pulse (<50 bpm), severe hypotension, breathing difficulty, heart failure symptoms

Contact your GP immediately if experiencing severe reactions. Managing constipation includes increased fluids and fibre, while dizziness typically resolves within days of starting treatment but increases fall risk for seniors.

Calan Manufacturers and Regulatory Status

Original Calan was developed by Pfizer but is discontinued globally. Current verapamil sold under brands like Verelan or generics is produced by pharmaceutical companies including Teva, Accord-UK, and Milpharm. The MHRA strictly regulates these products in the UK as prescription-only medications. All approved formulations undergo rigorous quality control - verify MHRA approval via the product leaflet or the agency's online database before use.

Calan Compared to Other Calcium Channel Blockers

Unlike dihydropyridines (amlodipine, nifedipine) primarily affecting blood vessels, Calan's cardiovascular effects include direct heart rate regulation, making it superior for arrhythmias. Compared to diltiazem, verapamil has stronger constipating effects but better evidence in migraine prevention. Choice depends on individual profiles – Calan may be preferred when controlling rapid heart rates, while amlodipine often has fewer cardiac side effects for pure hypertension.

Vital Calan Safety Information

Calan carries multiple contraindications including severe heart failure, certain heart rhythm disorders, and hypotension (<90 mmHg systolic). It dangerously interacts with beta-blockers (risk of cardiac arrest), statins like simvastatin (increased muscle damage risk), and digoxin (toxicity potential). Always disclose supplements and medications to your pharmacist. New users should avoid driving until dizziness potential is established. Regular blood pressure and ECG monitoring are typically advised during therapy.