Calcium Channel Blockers for High Blood Pressure
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| amlodipine | Norvasc |
| amlodipine and atorvastatin | Caduet |
| amlodipine and benazepril | Lotrel |
| amlodipine and valsartan | Exforge |
| diltiazem | Cardizem, Dilacor, Taztia, Tiazac |
| felodipine | Â |
| isradipine | Â |
| nicardipine | Cardene |
| nifedipine | Procardia |
| nisoldipine | Sular |
| verapamil | Calan, Verelan |
How It Works
Calcium channel blockers relax and widen
blood vessels. This makes it easier for blood to flow through the vessels and
lowers blood pressure.
Diltiazem and verapamil also slow the heart
rate and affect the pumping action of the heart.
Why It Is Used
Calcium channel blockers are used to lower high blood pressure. This medicine can be taken either alone or with other blood pressure medicines such as a diuretic.
How Well It Works
Calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure and help prevent a heart attack or stroke.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).
For tips on taking blood pressure medicine, see:
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
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD – Cardiology