Calcium Channel Blockers
What are calcium channel blockers used for?
Calcium channel blockers are medicines that help lower blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers are used to treat:
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- chest pain caused by blockage of an artery in the heart (angina)
- some abnormal heart rhythms
- Raynaud's phenomenon (a blood vessel problem in the hands or feet)
- coronary artery disease
Calcium channel blockers may also be used to prevent migraine headaches.
How do they work?
Calcium channel blockers slow the movement of calcium from the blood into the muscle cells of the blood vessels and heart. Muscle cells need calcium to be able to squeeze (contract). Less calcium moving into the muscle cells allows the blood vessel walls to relax. They open up and blood flows more easily through them. This helps lower blood pressure and the heart doesn’t have to work as hard.
Muscle cells in other parts of the body store their own calcium and don't depend on getting calcium from the blood. This means that muscles in other parts of your body will keep working normally when you take this medicine.
What else do I need to know about this medicine?
- Follow the directions that come with your medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take.
- Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.
- Try to get all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your medicines are safe to take together.
- Keep a list of your medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all of the products you are taking.
If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.
Written by Donald L. Warkentin, MD.
Adult Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2011-08-09
Last reviewed: 2011-08-05
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2012 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
