Calan

The outer shell of Covera-HS does not dissolve; do not worry if you see it in your stool.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Calan

If verapamil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining verapamil with the following:

ACE inhibitor-type blood pressure drugs such as Capoten and Vasotec
Beta-blocker-type blood pressure drugs such as Lopressor, Tenormin, and Inderal
Vasodilator-type blood pressure drugs such as Loniten
Other high blood pressure drugs such as Minipress
Alcohol
Aspirin
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Chloroquine (Aralen)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Dantrolene (Dantrium)
Digitalis (Lanoxin)
Disopyramide (Norpace)
Diuretics such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL
Erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, PCE)
Flecainide (Tambocor)
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Grapefruit juice
Imipramine (Tofranil)
Lithium (Lithonate)
Nitrates such as Transderm Nitro and Isordil
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Ritonavir (Kaletra, Norvir)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of verapamil during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. The drug appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

FOR CALAN AND ISOPTIN

Dosages of this medication must be adjusted to meet individual needs. In general, dosages of this medication should not exceed 480 milligrams per day. Your doctor will closely monitor your response to this drug, usually within 8 hours of the first dose.

Safety and effectiveness of this drug in children have not been established.

Angina

The usual initial dose is 80 to 120 milligrams, 3 times a day. Lower doses of 40 milligrams 3 times a day may be used by people who have a stronger response to this medication, such as the elderly or those with decreased liver function. The dosage may be increased by your doctor either daily or weekly until the desired response is seen.