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Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers, or calcium antagonists, treat a variety of conditions, such as high blood pressure, migraines and Raynaud's disease. Find out more about this class of medication.
By Mayo Clinic staffCalcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, resulting in lower blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers, also called calcium antagonists, relax and widen blood vessels by affecting the muscle cells in the arterial walls.
Some of the medications in this class have the added benefit of slowing your heart rate, which can further lower blood pressure, relieve chest pain (angina) and control an irregular heartbeat.
Examples of calcium channel blockers
Some calcium channel blockers are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. Short-acting medications work quickly, but their effects last only a few hours. Long-acting medications are slowly released to provide a longer lasting effect.
Several calcium channel blockers are available. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.
Examples of calcium channel blockers include:
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem LA, Dilacor XR, Tiazac)
- Felodipine (Plendil)
- Isradipine (DynaCirc CR)
- Nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR)
- Nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL, Adalat CC)
- Nisoldipine (Sular)
- Verapamil (Calan Verelan, Covera-HS)
In some cases, your doctor might prescribe a calcium channel blocker along with other high blood pressure medications or with cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins.
Next page(1 of 2)
- Rosenson RS, et al. Calcium channel blockers in the management of acute coronary syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed Nov. 13, 2008.
- Kaplan NM, et al. Major side effects and safety of calcium channel blockers. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed Nov. 13, 2008.
- Chobanian AV, et al. The seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. New England Journal of Medicine. 2003;289:2560.
- Initial antihypertensive therapy: Drugdex Consults. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com/. Accessed Nov. 12, 2008.
- Blood pressure-lowering drugs. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=159. Accessed Nov. 12, 2008.
- Sheps SG, ed. Mayo Clinic 5 Steps to Controlling High Blood Pressure. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2008:184.
