MHVI Owners Manual . Medications . Calcium Channel Blockers

Names
amlodipine (Norvasc)
bepridil (Vascor)
diltiazem (Cardizem, Cardizem SR, Cardizem CD, Dilacor-XR, Tiazac)
felodipine (Plendil)
israpidine (DynaCirc)
nicardipine (Cardene)
nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat)
nimodipine (Nimotop)
nisoldipine (Sular)
verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan)

Q. Why has my doctor prescribed this type of medication?
A. Calcium channel blockers are used to:

Relieve or prevent cardiac chest pain or angina
Treat high blood pressure
Control irregular heartbeats or abnormal heart rhythms (verapamil and diltiazem only)
Other uses: relieve symptoms caused by spasms from brain hemorrhage

These medications are very commonly prescribed for angina, hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Like all medications, there may be situations where a medicine other than a calcium blocking drug is more appropriate for these conditions. If you have questions about your medication, please ask your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist.

Q. Are there any special precautions that I need to be aware of before I start this type of medication?
A. Please carefully review the general guidelines at the beginning of this section. Talk with your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist. Tell them if you:

Are on other medications to treat a heart condition or high blood pressure
Have ever been treated for a slow heart beat or congestive heart failure

Q. What is the proper way to take these medications?
A. Follow these guidelines:

If you are on verapamil or diltiazem, you may be asked to check your pulse occasionally. If it is much slower than your usual rate, or if it is less than 50 beats per minute, check with your doctor.
Remember that these medications treat and help control your high blood pressure, chest pain or arrhythmia; they do not cure them. You must continue to take them, even if you feel well.

Try not to miss any dose of your medication. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if over half the time until your next dose is due has passed, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.

Q. What are the possible side effects of your medication?
A. Generally, there are few side effects with calcium channel blockers. You may experience dizziness when you stand up, diarrhea or constipation, or blurred vision. More serious side effects include difficulty breathing, swelling of the hands and/or feet, irregular heartbeats, and swelling of the gum tissue. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Do not stop taking these medications suddenly or without your doctor's guidance. Suddenly stopping this medication can cause unpleasant and even harmful effects on your heart and blood vessels.