A calcium channel blocker is a drug that prevents calcium from hardening inside the walls of your blood vessels. Calcium, fat and cholesterol form plaque, which can reduce blood flow and put you at risk for heart disease and stroke. Calcium channel blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia and chest pain.
Types
There are many different types of calcium channel blockers, based on the active ingredient and how long the effects of the medication last. Generic calcium channel blockers include felodipine, isradipine, nifedipine, nisoldipine and nicardipine. Name brand calcium channel blockers may end in "X" to denote the extended-release quality of the drug. You must swallow extended-release medications whole without chewing or crushing to ensure that you get the appropriate level of the drug into your system. Short-acting medicines may be split, crushed or chewed, in some cases, but check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Interactions
Calcium channel blockers may interfere with other medications you already take, or certain foods, particularly grapefruit products. Discuss possible interactions with your physician if you take other blood pressure medications, corticosteroid medicines, diuretics or vitamin supplements. You may need to time your medication schedule differently to ensure that your medications are absorbed properly and in the correct dosage. Your doctor may also tell you to avoid smoking, as the habit can cause a rapid heartbeat.
Side Effects
Calcium channel blockers can cause side effects, both minor and potentially serious. Minor and common effects include flushing of the skin; fatigue; foot, ankle or abdominal swelling; and heartburn. Side effects that are more serious and less common include numbness of the extremities, dizziness, breathing difficulties, headache, jaundice and chest pain. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Overdose
Take your calcium channel blocker exactly as directed by your doctor to avoid an accidental overdose. Overdosing on this kind of medication can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to drop too low, which, in rare cases, can be fatal. If you have taken too much medicine, go to the emergency room immediately for treatment.
