Calaptin 240 Sr

CALAPTIN 240 SR by ABBOTT

CALAPTIN 240 SR is a medication manufactured by Abbott used to manage various cardiovascular conditions.

• Name:

  • Common Name: Verapamil (Extended Release)
  • Brand Name: CALAPTIN 240 SR

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Verapamil (240mg)
  • Verapamil belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.

• Uses: CALAPTIN 240 SR is primarily used to treat:

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It works by relaxing blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
  • Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain): It improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, preventing or reducing chest pain.
  • Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeat): It helps control abnormal heart rhythms by normalizing electrical impulses in the heart.

• Dosage and Administration: CALAPTIN 240 SR should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically swallowed whole with water and should not be chewed, crushed, or broken. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day for consistent effectiveness. Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor.

• Side Effects: Common side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling of the limbs (edema)

  Serious side effects, though rare, may include severe allergic reactions, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), severe skin rashes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), and significant changes in heart rate. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

• Precautions:

  • Contraindications: Avoid use if allergic to Verapamil, have heart failure, severe heart rhythm problems (unless with a pacemaker), recent heart attack, slow heart rate (bradycardia), or low blood pressure.
  • Drug Interactions: Not recommended with beta-blockers due to the risk of heart complications. Grapefruit products should be avoided as they may increase the medicine's effects. Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
  • Specific Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney diseases.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor; use during pregnancy is generally not recommended unless clearly necessary. It is considered probably unsafe during breastfeeding.
  • Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption as it may worsen side effects like dizziness.
  • Driving: May cause dizziness or sleepiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

• Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, at temperatures between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

CALAPTIN 240 SR by ABBOTT is a medication primarily used to treat various heart and blood vessel-related conditions. It contains Verapamil, which belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.

What is CALAPTIN 240 SR used for?

CALAPTIN 240 SR is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain (angina pectoris), and certain types of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). By lowering blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. For angina, it helps manage and prevent chest pain by improving blood flow to the heart. It also helps normalize heart rate and rhythm in cases of arrhythmia.

How does CALAPTIN 240 SR work?

CALAPTIN 240 SR works as a calcium channel blocker. It functions by relaxing blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily and lowers blood pressure. This action also reduces the workload on the heart and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Additionally, it interferes with the electrical signals in the heart muscle, helping to control heart rate and rhythm.

What is the usual dosage?

The dosage and duration of CALAPTIN 240 SR are prescribed by your doctor based on your individual condition. It should be taken regularly at the same time each day, with or without food. It's crucial to swallow the tablet whole with water and not to chew, crush, or break it. You should not alter the dosage or discontinue the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects of CALAPTIN 240 SR include constipation, dizziness, nausea, headache, low blood pressure, and flushing. These are usually mild and temporary. More serious but rare side effects can include severe allergic reactions (skin rashes, swelling of the face/mouth/tongue/throat), yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or skin reactions with blistering (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). If any side effects persist, worsen, or if you experience serious symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

CALAPTIN 240 SR should be used with caution during pregnancy and is generally not recommended unless clearly necessary, as it may harm the unborn baby. For breastfeeding mothers, it is considered probably safe, but components pass into breast milk in small amounts. It is essential to consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can it be taken with other medications?

CALAPTIN 240 SR can interact with several medications. It should generally be avoided with beta-blockers due to the risk of heart-related complications. Caution is advised with medications like digoxin, statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin), quinidine, flecainide, imipramine, buspirone, rifampicin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, arbutamine, and pimozide. Always inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.

What precautions should be taken?

Avoid consuming alcohol and grapefruit products (including grapefruit juice) while taking CALAPTIN 240 SR, as they can exacerbate side effects or interfere with the medication's effects. This medicine is not recommended for individuals with certain heart conditions such as heart failure, severe heart rhythm issues (unless a pacemaker is present), recent heart attack, slow heart rate (bradycardia), or very low blood pressure (hypotension). Use with caution if you have liver or kidney issues. It may cause dizziness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of CALAPTIN 240 SR, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

How should it be stored?

CALAPTIN 240 SR should be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from sunlight, typically at room temperature (between 10ºC and 25ºC or below 30ºC). Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.