Interactions and Warnings for Calan (Verapamil)

Drug Interactions

Calan may interact with other blood pressure medications, buspirone, carbamazepine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, lovastatin, phenobarbital, rifampin, theophylline, sedatives, antibiotics, antifungals, beta-blockers, heart rhythm medications, or HIV/AIDS medicine.​ It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently using, as interactions can affect the effectiveness and safety of Calan.​

Some products like aliskiren, clonidine, disopyramide, dofetilide, fingolimod, and lithium may also interact with Calan, leading to potential complications.​ Additionally, certain medications can impact the removal of verapamil from the body, affecting its functionality.​

Effects on Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can be a potential side effect of taking Calan.​ Symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, severe dizziness, faintness upon sudden position changes, sweating, or unusual tiredness should be reported to your doctor immediately.​ The interaction of Calan with other medications like aliskiren, clonidine, disopyramide, dofetilide, fingolimod, or lithium may also affect your blood pressure levels. It is crucial to discuss any concerns about blood pressure changes with your healthcare provider.​

Impact on Verapamil Removal

Several drugs can affect the removal of verapamil from the body, potentially altering its efficacy.​ Products such as aliskiren, clonidine, disopyramide, dofetilide, fingolimod, and lithium are known to interact with verapamil and impact its elimination.​ It is essential to be aware of these interactions and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure the proper functioning of verapamil in your system.​

Medication Precautions

When taking Calan, it is crucial to follow specific precautions to ensure its safe and effective use. Some precautions to consider include avoiding alcohol consumption, monitoring your blood pressure regularly, informing your healthcare provider about any underlying medical conditions, and sticking to the prescribed dosage and schedule. Additionally, it is essential to be cautious when combining Calan with other medications to prevent adverse interactions that could impact your health.​

Contraindications

Verapamil should not be used in individuals with conditions such as advanced heart failure, sinus bradycardia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with systemic hypotension, or severe difficulty breathing at rest.​ It is important to discuss any contraindications with your healthcare provider before starting verapamil treatment to ensure safety and effectiveness.​