What are calcium channel blockers?
Calcium channel blockers are a commonly-prescribed form of medication used to treat angina (also known as chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats.)
Calcium channel blockers block the entry of calcium into the heart and arteries. Because calcium is responsible for the narrowing of arteries, which leads to high blood pressure and chest pain as not enough oxygen reaches the heart, calcium channel blockers work to widen the arteries, allowing blood to pass more freely through them and to the heart. They also slow the heart beat, making them a commonly prescribed medication for arrhythmia.
Brand Names/Generics:
There are many types of calcium channel blockers. Some of the more commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include (the generic names for each medication are listed in parentheses):
Adalat (nifedipine)
Calan (verapamil)
Cardene (nicardipine)
Cardizem (diltiazem)
Cardizem CD (diltiazem)
Cardizem SR (diltiazem)
Cartia (diltiazem)
Covera-HS (verapamil)
Dilacor XR (diltiazem)
Diltia XT (diltiazem)
DynaCyrc (isradipine)
Isoptin (verapamil)
Lotrel (amlodipine)
Nimotop (nimodipine)
Norvasc (amlodipine)
Plendil (felodipine)
Procardia (nifedipine)
Procardia XL (nifedipine)
Sular (nisoldipine)
Tiamete (diltiazem)
Tiazac (diltiazem)
Vascor (bepridil)
Verelan (verapamil)
Some forms of calcium channel blockers are extended release (these end in XL, XR, and XT).
Things You Should Know
Calcium channel blockers have a tendency to interact with other medications you may be taking. For this reason, you should make your doctor aware of any medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking before going on calcium channel blockers. In addition, if you are a smoker, you should try hard to quit. Smoking will reduce the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers by causing a rapid heartbeat. Drinking grapefruit juice also interferes with the body’s absorption of calcium channel blockers, so it is recommended that you not drink it while on calcium channel blockers.
Things To Tell Your Doctor
In addition to informing your doctor of any medication you’re currently taking, you should also make him aware of your medical history. Certain conditions may worsen with calcium channel blockers. If you are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant, medication can be absorbed by the baby and potentially cause problems in the developing fetus. In addition, patients with low blood pressure, a history or heart disease or conditions (including previous heart attacks), low blood sugar, depression, and arrhythmia should discuss the risks of taking calcium channel blockers with their doctor.
Side Effects
As with most medications, calcium channel blockers come with a variety of side effects. While it is not guaranteed you will experience any of them, the most common side effects associated with calcium channel blockers are constipation, fatigue, swelling of the hands and feet, heartburn or indigestion, and fatigue.
Less common side effects include:
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
Nausea
Numbness in the hands and feet
Trouble swallowing
More serious but rarer side effects include:
Headaches or migraines
Fainting spells
Angina (chest pains)
Jaundice (characterized by yellowed skin)
Fever and rash of the skin
Bleeding gums
Even if you’re experiencing side effects, it’s important that you don’t just stop taking calcium channel blockers; this could make the condition worse. Instead, discuss any side effects you are experiencing with your doctor, who will then determine an appropriate course of action. In many cases, the benefits of the medication will outweigh the side effects and you will remain on the medication. Other times, the dosage will be adjusted or medication will be changed.