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Calan SR tablet: what it is and what it’s used for
Calan SR is a brand of slow‑release (SR) verapamil, a calcium‑channel blocker. It’s used to treat conditions related to blood pressure and certain heart rhythm problems, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and some types of angina (chest pain) [1].
How does it work in the body?
Verapamil relaxes and widens blood vessels and also helps slow the heart rate by affecting calcium movement in heart and blood vessel muscle. The “SR” formulation releases the medicine more slowly, which helps maintain steadier effects over time [1].
What symptoms might it be prescribed for?
Doctors commonly prescribe Calan SR when a patient needs help with:
- High blood pressure (to reduce the risk of complications) [1]
- Angina/chest pain (to reduce frequency or severity in appropriate patients) [1]
How is a slow‑release tablet usually taken?
Calan SR is typically taken by mouth as a controlled‑release tablet. Follow the dose and schedule your prescriber gives you. Do not crush or chew slow‑release tablets unless your pharmacist or doctor specifically tells you to, because that can change how the medicine releases [1].
Important safety notes people ask about
Calan SR can be unsafe with certain heart conditions or when used with specific medicines. Patients should tell their clinician about heart rhythm issues, heart failure, low blood pressure, and all other drugs they take before starting verapamil [1].
Sources
[1] https://www.drugs.com/calansr.html