Uses / Indications:
Approved Uses:
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Angina pectoris (stable, unstable, variant/Prinzmetal’s)
Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVT, atrial fibrillation/flutter)
Off-label Uses:
Cluster headache prevention
Migraine prophylaxis
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (symptom control)
Pregnancy interaction:
Animal studies: Showed embryotoxicity and fetotoxicity at high doses.
Human data: Limited; some reports of maternal hypotension, fetal distress, and bradycardia when used late in pregnancy or during labor.
FDA Pregnancy Category: Previously Category C (risk cannot be ruled out).
Recommendation:
Avoid in pregnancy unless no safer alternative is available.
If required, use lowest effective dose under specialist supervision.
Close monitoring of maternal blood pressure, ECG, and fetal heart rate is essential.
Breastfeeding: Verapamil passes into milk in small amounts → infants should be observed for drowsiness, low heart rate, or feeding difficulties.
Expert advice:
Do not combine with beta-blockers or digoxin unless your cardiologist approves.
Rise slowly from sitting/lying positions to prevent dizziness.
Avoid alcohol – it may enhance blood pressure–lowering effects.
Monitor for ankle swelling – a common issue with calcium channel blockers.
Long-term therapy requires ECG monitoring, especially in arrhythmia patients.
If used for cluster headache prevention, regular ECG is mandatory due to risk of heart conduction problems.
Side Effects:
Very Common (>10%):
Constipation
Dizziness, headache
Common (1–10%):
Nausea, abdominal discomfort
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Swelling in ankles and feet
Uncommon (0.1–1%):
Fatigue, flushing, rash
Gingival hyperplasia (swollen gums, with long-term use)
Rare (<0.1%):
Severe heart block
Worsening of heart failure
Elevated liver enzymes, jaundice
Allergic reactions (angioedema, rash, difficulty breathing)
How to use:
Hypertension/Angina: 120mg once or twice daily (may adjust up to 240–480mg/day depending on formulation).
Arrhythmias: Dose individualized; ECG monitoring required.
Cluster headaches (off-label): May start at 120mg/day, titrated carefully (requires ECG checks at every dose increase).
Administration Tips:
Take with water, with or without food.
Extended-release tablets: swallow whole, do not crush/chew.
Take at the same time daily for steady effect.
If you miss a dose: take it as soon as remembered, unless close to next dose → then skip. Do not double dose.
How it works:
Calaptin 120mg SR Tablet is a nondihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.
It blocks L-type calcium channels in:
Cardiac muscle → slows heart rate, reduces contractility
AV node → slows conduction, useful in supraventricular tachycardias
Vascular smooth muscle → relaxes arteries → lowers blood pressure
Overall Benefits:
Lowers blood pressure
Controls abnormal heart rhythms
Reduces angina frequency by lowering oxygen demand of the heart
Faq for medicine:
Q1. Is Calaptin 120mg SR Tablet better for blood pressure or heart rhythm?
It is effective in both, but doctors mainly prefer it for arrhythmias and angina; for hypertension, other CCBs (like amlodipine) are usually first choice.
Q2. Can Calaptin 120mg SR Tablet cause constipation?
Yes, it is one of the most common side effects – increase fluids and dietary fiber.
Q3. Can Calaptin 120mg SR Tablet be used for migraine prevention?
Yes, it is sometimes prescribed off-label for migraine and cluster headache prevention.
Q4. Is Calaptin 120mg SR Tablet safe for elderly patients?
Yes, but they are more sensitive to its effects on blood pressure and heart rate, so lower doses and careful monitoring are needed.
Q5. Can I take painkillers (like Ibuprofen) with Calaptin 120mg SR Tablet ?
Occasional NSAIDs may be used, but frequent use can raise blood pressure and may reduce Calaptin 120mg SR Tablet effect. Always consult your doctor.
Medicine interaction:
Increased Risk of Side Effects:
Beta-blockers (metoprolol, propranolol) → may cause severe bradycardia or heart block.
Digoxin → increases blood levels → risk of digoxin toxicity (nausea, vision changes, arrhythmias).
Amiodarone, Quinidine → additive heart conduction problems.
Statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin) → higher statin levels → muscle pain/rhabdomyolysis (simvastatin dose must be ≤10mg with verapamil).
Reduces Effectiveness of:
Carbamazepine clearance is reduced → toxicity.
Theophylline levels may increase.
Food / Drink:
Grapefruit juice → raises Verapamil blood levels → risk of side effects.
Alcohol → stronger hypotensive effect.
