Calcium channel blockers also called calcium antagonists are drugs which are used in the management of high blood pressure and also in heart conditions. Calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure by preventing calcium from entering the cells of your heart and arteries. Calcium causes the heart and arteries to contract more strongly. By blocking calcium, calcium channel blockers allow blood vessels to relax and open.
Some calcium channel blockers have the added benefit of slowing your heart rate, which can further lower your blood pressure, relieve chest pain (angina) and control an irregular heartbeat. Some of the most commonly used calcium channel blockers are; Amlodipine, Bepridil, Diltiazem, Felodipine, Nicardipine, Nifedipine, Nisoldipine, and Verapamil
Doctors Prescribe these medications for the High blood pressure, Coronary artery disease, Angina, Abnormal heart rhythms, etc.
Calcium channel blockers should be taken with food or milk. Follow the label directions on how often to take it. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and how long you need to take it will depend on the type of medication your doctor prescribed and why.
This drug works by altering certain processes in the body so this drug apart from producing the desired effects also produces many side effects.
Ten important side effects of calcium channel blockers are:
Side Effect 1: Lightheadedness
Lightheadedness is a common and typically unpleasant sensation of dizziness or a feeling that one may faint. The sensation of lightheadedness can be short-lived or prolonged. Causes of lightheadedness may be dehydration, medication side effects, sudden blood pressure drops, low blood sugar, and heart disease or stroke. Lightheadedness is the most common side effect associated with use of calcium channel blockers.
Side Effect 2: Low Blood Pressure
Hypotension or low blood pressure occurs when the systolic blood pressure drops below 90 mmHg or if the diastolic blood pressure is less than 60 mmHg. Since calcium blockers are used to reduce blood pressure, hypotension may occur if the prescribed dosage is not optimal.
Side Effect 3: Slower Heart Rate (Bradycardia)
Bradycardia is the condition of having a slower heart rate than normal. The hearts of adults at rest usually beat between 60 and 100 times a minute. If you have bradycardia, your heart beats fewer than 60 times a minute. Calcium channel blockers are known to lower heart rate which if not monitored can be dangerous.
Side Effect 4: Drowsiness
Drowsiness is the string urge to sleep. It can cause excessive daytime sleepiness that can have a negative impact on daily routines. When fatigued due to drowsiness, microsleeps can occur which can interfere with daily tasks. Use of calcium channel blockers can sometimes cause symptoms of drowsiness among patients who use it.
Side Effect 5: Dizziness
Dizziness is the condition used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak or unsteady. There are many conditions that can cause dizziness as multiple body parts are required in the maintenance of balance. This includes the skeleton, muscles, inner ear, eyes, and nervous system. Dizziness may also occur when there is an inadequate supply of blood to the brain
Side Effect 6: Constipation
Constipation is the condition when there are hard or infrequent bowel movements. The stools are usually dry and hard. Constipation is often accompanied by bloating and abdominal pain. Constipation can also lead to as anal fissure, hemorrhoids, and fecal impaction. Long term use of calcium channel blockers is known to produce side effect of constipation.
Side Effect 7: Swelling of Feet, Ankles and Legs
Edema or swelling of feet, hands, ankles or legs occurs when there is abnormal fluid accumulation in the interstitial tissues. Edema can be localized or generalized. The affected area gets swollen and the skin over the swollen area sometimes looks stretched and shiny. Gently pressing on the swollen area with finger leaves a dimple in the skin.
There are many health conditions which can lead to edema in human beings. There are certain supplements and drugs too which can produce edema. Calcium channel blockers can sometimes too produce edema of legs, ankles and feet.
Side Effect 8: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid or bile goes up the food pipe and irritates it. Symptoms include burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and worsens when lying down. Relief from lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication is usually temporary. Stronger medication may be required. Long term use of calcium channel blockers is thought to produce GERD in some patients.
Side Effect 9: Tenderness or Bleeding of the Gums
Swollen gums and bleeding gums can be due to gum diseases, infections as well as these can be symptoms of many underlying health problems. However, there are a number of other things that can cause these gum problems. Calcium channel blockers can sometimes cause tenderness and bleeding gums in people who use them regularly.
Side Effect 10: Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is a term which encompasses many difficulties that affect the sexual functioning of a person. Persistent and recurrent difficulty with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain all come under sexual dysfunction.
Sexual dysfunction can be due to a number of underlying causes. But many times, sexual dysfunction is induced by stress, drug use, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, cycling or relationship factors. Long term use of calcium channel blockers is also thought to produce sexual dysfunction in patients using this drug.
Let your doctor know if these side effects are severe or don’t go away. Contact your doctor right away.