Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, resulting in lower blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers, also called calcium antagonists, relax and widen blood vessels by affecting the muscle cells in the arterial walls.
Some of the medications in this class have the added benefit of slowing your heart rate, which can further lower blood pressure, relieve chest pain (angina) and control an irregular heartbeat.
Examples of calcium channel blockers
Some calcium channel blockers are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. Short-acting medications work quickly, but their effects last only a few hours. Long-acting medications are slowly released to provide a longer lasting effect.
Several calcium channel blockers are available. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.
Examples of calcium channel blockers include:
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem LA, Dilacor XR, Tiazac)
- Felodipine (Plendil)
- Isradipine (DynaCirc CR)
- Nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR)
- Nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL, Adalat CC)
- Nisoldipine (Sular)
- Verapamil (Calan Verelan, Covera-HS)
In some cases, your doctor might prescribe a calcium channel blocker along with other high blood pressure medications or with cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins.
Uses for calcium channel blockers
Doctors prescribe calcium channel blockers to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in a variety of conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain (angina)
- Migraines
- Brain aneurysm complications
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
- Some circulatory conditions, such as Raynaud's disease
- High blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
Several studies have found that calcium channel blockers aren't as effective as diuretics, beta blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors at lowering blood pressure. Because of this, calcium channel blockers aren't usually the first medication you'd be prescribed to lower your blood pressure.
Side effects and cautions
Side effects of calcium channel blockers may include:
- Constipation
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Rash
- Drowsiness
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Swelling in the feet and lower legs
Certain calcium channel blockers interact with grapefruit products. Don't take these medications with grapefruit or grapefruit juice because they can reduce your liver's ability to eliminate calcium channel blockers from your body, allowing the medications to build up in your body.