Calan SR

Calan SR can help lower high blood pressure by causing the blood vessels to relax, which helps improve blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. The prescription medication comes in the form of a tablet that is typically taken once or twice a day. Although most people tolerate Calan SR well, there are possible side effects of the medication, including constipation, dizziness, and nausea.

 

What Is Calan SR?

Calan SR® (verapamil hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Calan SR tablets are specially designed to slowly release the medication over time.
 
(Click Calan SR Uses for more information on what Calan SR is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Calan SR?

Calan SR is made by Pfizer, Inc. Generic Calan SR is made by various manufacturers.
 

How Does Calan SR Work?

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 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).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;