Calan SR Uses

Although it is not a cure for high blood pressure, Calan SR can reduce the risks that are associated with long-term high blood pressure (such as heart disease, strokes, or congestive heart failure). The prescription medication works by causing the blood vessels to relax. Calan SR has only been approved for use in adults. Some off-label Calan SR uses include the treatment of migraine headaches, chest pain, and certain irregular heart rhythms.

 

Calan SR Uses: An Overview

Calan SR® (verapamil hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
 
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
In clinical studies, Calan SR has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, Calan SR can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure, which can occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, Calan SR is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 

How Calan SR Works

Calan SR is part of a class of drugs called
 calcium channel blockers. Calan SR helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and helps to lower blood pressure. It also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
 
There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers, dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two types is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Calan SR is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it can decrease the heart rate. As a result, Calan SR is useful for treating certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
 
Calan SR tablets contain tiny beads that are designed to begin slowly releasing the medication four to five hours after the medication is taken. Because Calan SR is taken at bedtime, the effects of Calan SR will peak in the early morning hours, when blood pressure naturally rises.
 
(Calan SR Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;