Calcium Channel Blockers Side Effects

Calcium channel blockers are a class of drugs, that prevent the entry of calcium to the heart muscles and the smooth muscle cells present in the wall of the blood vessels. The smooth muscle cells of the arteries as well as the heart muscles, require calcium for contraction and calcium enters these cells through some tiny channels. By preventing calcium to enter these cells, these drugs help to relax the blood vessels or dilate them, which is termed as vasodilation. This results in a drop in the pressure, with which the circulating blood presses against the arterial wall. Similarly, in heart, reduction in calcium decreases the cardiac contractility or the force with which the myocardium of the heart contracts. This in turn, results in a decrease in cardiac output. The cumulative effect of the dilation of the blood vessels and the decrease in cardiac contractility is, a drop in blood pressure.

Uses of Calcium Channel Blockers
As has been mentioned above, its effect on the heart muscles and blood vessels is, a drop in blood pressure. So, they are basically used in the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension. As they help in widening the arteries, they are also used in conditions like, angina, pulmonary hypertension, cardiomyopathy, Raynaud's syndrome and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

They are especially useful as a high blood pressure medication, for black or African-American people. However, for others, they are not considered more effective than beta blockers and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. Migraine, brain aneurysm complications and irregular heartbeat are some other conditions, for which they can be used. Amlodipine, diltiazem, nicardipine and verapamil are some commonly used calcium channel blockers. Differences exist among these medications, regarding their effects on heart rate and contraction and the duration of their action.

Calcium Channel Blockers Dangers
They are generally used along with beta blockers, to lower blood pressure. Like beta blockers, they too can produce some mild to severe side effects. However, the incidence of its serious side effects are rare. The side effects that are more commonly observed include, headaches, constipation, heartburn, nausea, low blood pressure, tiredness, dizziness, swelling of the legs due to edema or fluid accumulation and drowsiness. Some people can experience swollen or tender and bleeding gums, stomach upset, hot flushes, abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease and tingling of the hands and feet.

But, breathing difficulties like shortness of breath and wheezing, yellowing of the skin and the eyes, irregular and slow heartbeat and allergic reactions like skin rash are some of its serious side effects. If you observe such side effects, then immediately inform your physician. Liver dysfunction can be another major side effects of these drugs. In addition to these, they can also interact with some food and medications, thereby raising the risk for possible side effects. Examples are grapefruit, alcohol and certain medications like, carbamazepine, simvastatin, lovastatin, etc.

So, before taking these drugs, one should always disclose complete and detailed information about the medications, herbs or supplements that he or she is taking for other health conditions. Expecting mothers should never take calcium channel blockers before consulting a physician, as these can pass into breast milk. However, till now no major side effect have been observed in breastfed babies. But still, it is better to maintain precaution, as some studies carried out in animals, have found that these medications can have some effect on the unborn child. Such effects may manifest in still birth and birth defects. So, considering all these side effects, it is very important to talk to a physician to know about the possible dangers associated with these medications, in detail.