Calan

What is it?

Composition

Calan contains the active substance verapamil hydrochloride, which is the main component that provides the therapeutic effect. Verapamil affects calcium channels in the cells of the heart and blood vessels, which helps to reduce their tone and lower blood pressure.

In addition to the active substance, Calan contains auxiliary components that are necessary to maintain the shape and stability of the drug. These ingredients include:

• Magnesium stearate, used as a lubricating agent;
• Microcrystalline cellulose, which ensures the structural integrity of the tablet;
• Sodium croscarmellose, which promotes rapid dissolution of the tablet in the stomach;
• Talc, used as an anti-adhesive agent.

These auxiliary substances do not have a therapeutic effect, but play an important role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the drug.

How to use?

Calan should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor, adhering to the prescribed dosage and regimen. Usually, the drug is taken orally with plenty of water. It is important not to chew or crush the tablets to ensure proper release of the active substance.

A typical regimen for taking Calan includes the following steps:

1. Follow your doctors recommendations for dosage. The initial dose may vary depending on the patients condition and response to treatment.
2. Take the drug regularly at the same time every day to maintain a stable level of verapamil in the blood.
3. Do not skip a dose or stop using the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. Abrupt withdrawal may lead to worsening of the condition.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

How does it work?

Calan works by blocking calcium channels, which play a key role in the contraction of vascular and cardiac smooth muscles. Verapamil, the active ingredient in the drug, reduces the flow of calcium into cells, which leads to relaxation of vascular smooth muscles. This helps to dilate arteries and veins, reduce vascular resistance and, as a result, reduce blood pressure.

In addition, verapamil affects the functioning of the heart by slowing the conduction of electrical impulses through the atrioventricular node. This helps reduce the heart rate and normalize the heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmia. This action of Calan makes it an effective remedy for the treatment of angina, arrhythmias and hypertension, as well as for the prevention of migraines.

Indications

Calan is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of various cardiovascular diseases. Due to its mechanism of action, this drug effectively copes with a wide range of pathologies associated with heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure.

The main indications for the use of Calan include:

• Arrhythmias such as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, where it is necessary to restore normal heart rhythm;
• Angina, especially vasospastic (Prinzmetals angina) and chronic stable angina, to reduce the frequency of attacks of chest pain;
• Arterial hypertension, to reduce high blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications such as stroke or heart attack;
• Prevention of migraine, in cases where traditional treatment does not give the desired effect.

These indications make Calan an important drug in the arsenal of cardiovascular therapy, especially when a complex effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels is required.

Contraindications

Calan, despite its effectiveness, has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before starting therapy. Some conditions may be aggravated by the drug, so it is important to carefully read the list of restrictions.

The main contraindications include:

• Severe bradycardia (low heart rate), as the drug may slow the heart rate even more;
• Sick sinus syndrome, especially without a pacemaker, due to the risk of worsening the condition;
• Severe heart failure, when the heart cannot pump blood effectively, and further lowering the pressure can be dangerous;
• Cardiogenic shock, in which the heart is unable to provide adequate blood circulation;
• Allergic reactions to verapamil or other components of the drug, which can cause serious side effects;
• Concomitant use of certain drugs, such as beta blockers or drugs that prolong the QT interval, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.

Be sure to consult your doctor before starting treatment to rule out the presence of contraindications and avoid possible complications.

Side effects

Although Calan is an effective drug for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, its use may be accompanied by side effects. These reactions can range from mild to more serious, and it is important to be aware of possible adverse reactions.

Possible side effects include:

• Headaches caused by dilation of blood vessels and decreased blood pressure;
• Constipation, which is one of the most common reactions to verapamil;
• Dizziness or fatigue, especially at the beginning of treatment, due to decreased blood pressure;
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia), which can be dangerous for patients with certain heart problems;
• Swelling of the extremities associated with fluid retention in the body;
• Flushing of the skin of the face, which is associated with dilation of blood vessels.

If you notice the appearance of these or other undesirable effects, you should immediately inform your doctor. In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage or change the drug.