Calcium channel blockers

What does this medication do?
Calcium channel blockers sometimes called calcium channel antagonists are used to control high blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain (angina) caused by coronary artery disease and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). Calcium channel blockers are often taken in combination with beta blockers or diuretics to help reduce blood pressure.

How does it work?
Calcium channel blockers are vasodilators, which means they widen (dilate) your blood vessels, letting blood flow through more easily. By relaxing your blood vessels, your blood pressure drops and your heart doesnt have to work as hard.

How should I take it?
There are many different kinds of calcium channel blockers, so how much you need depends on what type you are taking. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how and when to take this medicine. If you are taking an "extended-release" calcium channel blocker, do not chew or crush the pills.

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?
Check with your doctor about consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice (fresh or frozen) because they may increase the effect of a certain class of calcium channel blocker and may cause your blood pressure to drop too much. A component in grapefruit juice appears to interfere with your bodys ability to absorb this medication. You should also avoid smoking while you are on calcium channel blockers because it may cause a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about any other information you may need to know about your medications.

What if I am taking other medicines?
Calcium channel blockers can interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about any other medication including prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter or natural health products (vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, probiotics and other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids). Some medications that can cause an interaction with calcium channel blockers include ACE inhibitors, antiarrhythmics, digitalis, corticosteroids, large doses of calcium or vitamin D supplements.

What else should I tell my doctor?
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications on a regular basis. It is not safe to stop taking a calcium channel blocker without consulting your doctor.

What are some common side effects?
Calcium channel blockers have relatively few side effects, and these are rarely serious although they may be irritating. Among the most common are fatigue, heartburn and swelling of the ankles or feet. Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects. Do not stop taking your medications without speaking to your doctor first.

Combination treatments
Most people with high blood pressure need two or more medications to lower their blood pressure. In many cases, two medications can be taken as a single tablet.

Lifestyle changes
Eating a healthy diet that is lower in fat, especially saturated and trans fats, being smoke free, limiting alcohol use, being physically active and reducing stress are also important to lowering the risk of heart disease. Talk to your health-care practitioner about how you can achieve these lifestyle changes.

Where can I get more information?
For warnings, recalls and other clinical drug information:

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