Calcium Channel Blockers for Coronary Artery Disease
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| amlodipine | Norvasc |
| diltiazem | Cardizem, Dilacor, Taztia, Tiazac |
| nicardipine | Cardene |
| nifedipine | Procardia |
| nisoldipine | Sular |
| verapamil | Calan |
How It Works
Calcium channel blockers help treat
coronary artery disease by:
- Increasing blood flow to the heart muscle by
expanding (dilating) the coronary arteries. - Possibly help to
prevent a spasm of the coronary arteries. - Lowering blood pressure
and the workload on the heart, which allows the heart muscle to function with
less oxygen and blood flow. - Sometimes slowing a rapid heart rate
and controlling irregular heart rhythms.
Why It Is Used
Calcium channel blockers may be used in people with coronary artery disease to lower their blood pressure. These medicines might also be used to relieve symptoms of angina.
How Well It Works
Calcium channel blockers can help
reduce the severity and frequency of angina.footnote 1
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don’t feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Hives.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Slow heart rate.
- Swelling in the lower legs or ankles.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Flushing or feeling warm.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side
effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Your doctor may ask you to take your pulse regularly to make sure your heart rate is not too slow. To learn how to take your pulse, see the topic Taking a Pulse (Heart Rate).
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don’t take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments. And call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) ( What is a PDF document? ) to help you understand this medication.
Current as of:
October 5, 2017