Calcium Channel Blockers

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Calcium channel blockers are medications used to treat certain arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) such as atrial fibrillation and other conditions such as high blood pressure. These drugs work by blocking the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and the arteries. The entry of calcium into the cells is what makes the heart to contract and the arteries to narrow. Since these medications block the calcium into the muscle cells, this helps decrease the contraction of the heart and causes the arteries to widen. This reduces arterial pressure and the heart is able to pump blood easier stabilizing the need of oxygen in the heart muscle itself.

Here is a list of some of these medications:
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Nisoldipine (Sular)
Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
Nicardipine (Cardene)
Bepridil (Vascor)
Isradipine (Dynacirc)
Nimodipine (Nimotop)
Felodipine (Plendil)
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)

Side effects can include:
Drowsiness
Increased appetite
Weight gain: call your doctor right away
Breathing difficulties (shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing): call your doctor right away
Irregular or slow heartbeat: call your doctor right away
Allergic reaction (skin rash or hair loss): call your doctor right away
Constipation
Tenderness or bleeding of the gums
Swelling of feet, ankles and legs
Fainting

It is recommended you do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking these medications and to avoid alcohol, as it interferes with the effects of calcium channel blockers and increases the side effects.

The side effects listed above are only a few. Make sure you do some research when talking this medication because you may experience other side effects.



Please make sure you take your medications as prescribed and learn how to check your pulse and blood pressure because if they are too low, they can drop to dangerous levels. You need to notify your physician immediately if you experience any side effects when taking calcium channel blockers. Your Doctor may stop your medication and prescribe a new one. Also make sure you receive complete information from your Doctor or your pharmacist and read all the medication interactions, precautions, and side effects.

Heart attacks are the number one killer in America, millions of others are recovering from one, and millions are at risk. For this reason, lots and lots of people are taking heart medications. If you are taking them, you are not alone.

Self medication administration can be frustrating at times but if you need to take them, there are a few things you should know about. This can help you take them appropriately and get the best results.


Disclaimer

The information in this section and throughout this site is not meant to diagnose and does not provide any legal advice whatsoever. It is recommended to consult a physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding illnesses, prescribed and over the counter medications including, supplements, herbal and any other types of medicines.