Calan (Cont.)

How Does Calan Work?

Calan is part of a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Calan helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and blood vessels. This, in turn, helps to relax the vessels, which allows better 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 is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it can decrease the heart rate. Because of this, Calan is useful for certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
 

When and How to Take Calan?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Calan include:
 
  • Calan comes in the form of a tablet. Calan is taken by mouth, usually three or four times a day.
     
  • It does not matter if you take Calan with or without food.
     
  • Calan should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For Calan to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Calan will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Calan Dosing

The dose of Calan your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Calan dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Calan Dosage for more information about dosing for Calan.)
 
(Calan Continued: Page 3)

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