Posted by Phillipa on July 27, 2008, at 23:54:09
In reply to Question about Propanolol (Beta Blcoker) Anxiety, posted by WhatToDoNext on July 27, 2008, at 20:51:14
Okay may have something for you. The other name for calan is verapamal. It can cause shortness of breath used for hypertension, cardiac arrythmia do you have a heart condition? Please read below. Could be an allergic reaction. I think it warrants an immediate call to your cardiologist. And please let us know what the outcome is. Phillipa
Verapamil
(ver ap' a mil)
Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed?
How should this medicine be used?
Other uses for this medicine
What special precautions should I follow?
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
In case of emergency/overdose
What other information should I know?
Brand names
Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top
Verapamil is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart to control chest pain (angina). If taken regularly, verapamil controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used? Return to top
Verapamil comes as a regular tablet and as an extended-release (long-acting) tablet and capsule to take by mouth. The regular tablet is usually taken three times a day. The extended-release tablet and capsule are usually taken one or two times a day and should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush the extended-release tablet or capsule. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take verapamil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.Verapamil controls arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. Continue to take verapamil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking verapamil without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine Return to top
Verapamil is also used sometimes to treat migraine headaches and cardiomyopathy. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.What special precautions should I follow? Return to top
Before taking verapamil,tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to verapamil or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin, carbamazepine (Tegretol); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); fentanyl (Duragesic); heart and blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers, digoxin (Lanoxin), disopyramide (Norpace), flecainide (Tambocor), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), diuretics ('water pills'), or any other blood pressure lowering medication; lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications to treat depression; medications to treat glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye); phenobarbital; rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); theophylline (Theo-Dur); and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease, muscular dystrophy, or gastrointestinal obstruction (strictures).
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking verapamil, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking verapamil.
you should know that verapamil may increase the effects of alcohol and make them last longer.
What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top
Verapamil may cause an upset stomach. Take verapamil with food or milk.Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top
Verapamil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:constipation
dizziness or lightheadedness
headache
upset stomach
heartburn
excessive tiredness
flushing (feeling of warmth)
slow heartbeat
vivid, unusual dreamsIf you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fainting
rash
yellowing of the skin or eyes
fever
increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.In case of emergency/overdose Return to top
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.What other information should I know? Return to top
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to verapamil.Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate) daily and will tell you how fast it should be. If your pulse is slower than it should be, call your doctor for directions on taking verapamil that day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to teach you how to check your pulse.
The extended-release tablet (Covera) does not dissolve in the stomach after being swallowed. It slowly releases medicine as it passes through the small intestines. It is not unusual to see the tablet shell eliminated in the stool.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
poster:Phillipa
thread:842480
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080727/msgs/842507.html