Calan and Dry Mouth

Clinical studies have shown that less than 1 percent of people taking Calan experienced a dry mouth. If you are taking Calan and dry mouth occurs, try drinking water more frequently, using a humidifier at night, and avoiding caffeinated beverages. If these suggestions don't help, talk with a healthcare provider. He or she may recommend that you try artificial saliva, adjust your Calan dosage, or try another medicine.

 

Calan and Dry Mouth: An Overview

Dry mouth is one of the possible side effects of Calan® (verapamil hydrochloride). In studies, less than 1 percent of people taking Calan developed a dry mouth.
 

Calan and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

For people taking Calan, there are some things that you can do to help with a dry mouth. Some of these suggestions include:
 
  • Sipping water or sugarless drinks often.
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  • Sipping water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.
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  • Avoiding drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
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  • Avoiding tobacco or alcohol; they dry out the mouth.
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  • Using a humidifier at night.
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  • Being aware of spicy or salty foods. These may cause pain in a dry mouth.
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  • Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless, hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
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Calan and Dry Mouth: Summary

If you develop a dry mouth while taking Calan and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider.
 There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on the severity of your dry mouth, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Calan dosage or try another medicine.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;