How To Use Verapamil (Calan SR)

Verapamil comes in the form of a regular tablet, extended-release tablet, and extended-release capsule. The regular tablets are taken 3-4 times a day, and the extended-release formulations are taken 1-2 times a day. Do not switch from one formulation to another without your doctor’s approval and guidance.

Read the prescription label and follow the dosing instructions carefully. Do not change the dose or dosing frequency without consulting your healthcare provider. 

Certain verapamil formulations are taken in the morning and others at bedtime. Make sure you know at what time of day to take your medicine. Try to take verapamil at around the same time(s) every day. This will help you remember and also maintain stable plasma concentration (blood levels) of the drug.

Ask your pharmacist if you can split the immediate-release tablets if needed. Swallow the extended-release tablets and capsules whole without cutting, chewing, or crushing them. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, you can open the extended-release capsules and sprinkle the contents on some applesauce which is cool or at room temperature and soft enough to swallow without chewing. Swallow this mixture immediately - do not store it for later use. Follow it up with a glass of water to ensure you swallow all the medicine.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a dose adjustment of verapamil based on your response and side effects. It can take a week to get the full benefit of this medicine. Verapamil can help to control chest pain, high blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythm but does not cure these conditions. Continue treatment even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Calan SR (verapamil) without talking to your doctor. Stopping treatment can lead to increased blood pressure and uncontrolled chest pain.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of verapamil, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store verapamil at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused verapamil should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw verapamil in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded verapamil is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on verapamil. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about verapamil, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

Discounted prices for verapamil (Calan SR) start at $20.51.

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