Calcium channel blockers
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Calcium channel blockers are prescription medicines that relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. They are used to treat high blood pressure and angina, which is chest pain from the heart. Common examples are amlodipine and nifedipine. They should only be started or stopped on a doctor's advice.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Calcium channel blockers work?
These medicines partly block calcium from entering muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels and in the heart. The muscle stays relaxed, vessels widen, blood pressure falls and the heart works with less strain.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Calcium channel blockers. They are listed A to Z.
- Amlodipine: Amlodipine is a prescription medicine that relaxes blood vessels.
Common questions
Why do calcium channel blockers cause swollen ankles?
Medicines like amlodipine widen small blood vessels, which can let fluid leak into the ankles and feet. It is a common side effect and is usually mild. Tell your doctor if it bothers you; do not stop the medicine on your own.
Can I eat grapefruit with a calcium channel blocker?
Grapefruit can change blood levels of some of these medicines, such as nifedipine, and the NHS advises avoiding it with them. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the medicine you take.
Are all calcium channel blockers the same?
No. Dihydropyridines such as amlodipine and nifedipine mainly widen blood vessels. Others, such as verapamil and diltiazem, also slow the heart. They have different side effects and interactions, so one should not be swapped for another without a doctor's advice.
Sources
- Amlodipine: a medicine for high blood pressure and angina. NHS (UK)
- Nifedipine: a medicine for high blood pressure and angina. NHS (UK)
- Norvasc (amlodipine besylate) tablets: prescribing information. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: C08CA Dihydropyridine derivatives. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission