Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or calcium antagonists are a group of drugs that are useful for lowering blood pressure. This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. In addition to lowering blood pressure, calcium antagonists are also used to treat disorders of the heart and blood vessels.
Calcium antagonist drugs work by blocking calcium from entering the heart cells and blood vessel walls. This way of working will make it easier for the heart to pump blood and dilate blood vessels. As a result, there will be a decrease in blood pressure.
There are several conditions and diseases that can be treated with the use of calcium antagonist drugs, including:
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris, Prinzmetal's angina, and stable angina
- Arrhythmia
In addition, several types of calcium channel blockers can also be used to prevent and treat heart attacks and conditions of lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain when experiencing a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Precautions Before Using Calcium Antagonists
Calcium antagonists should not be used carelessly. Follow the doctor's advice while undergoing treatment with this medicine. Before taking calcium antagonists, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not use calcium antagonists if you are allergic to these drugs.
- Do not take grapefruit while taking calcium antagonist medications. Consumption of grapefruit along with the use of calcium antagonists can affect blood pressure and heart rate.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages while using this medicine. Alcohol can increase the effectiveness of the drug and the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other blood pressure-lowering drugs or are taking other herbal medicines, vitamins, or supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, kidney problems, liver problems, breathing problems, blood vessel disorders, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, intestinal obstruction, inflammation and infection of the gums, brain edema, and increased intracranial pressure.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy
- Discuss with the pediatrician about the use of calcium antagonist drugs in children, so that the type of drug and the dose given is right.
- If you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking a calcium antagonist, contact your doctor immediately.
Calcium Antagonist Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that have the potential to arise from the use of calcium antagonist drugs, including:
- Headache or dizziness
- Mouth feels dry
- Low blood pressure
- The heart feels like it is beating faster, slower, or irregularly (arrhythmia)
- Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea
- Acid reflux disease (GERD)
- Muscles feel weak or cramp
- Swelling of the legs and feet (edema)
- Easily sleepy
Consult a doctor if you experience the above symptoms. See a doctor immediately, if your symptoms get worse or if you have an allergic reaction to medication, such as an itchy rash, swelling of your eyelids and lips, or shortness of breath.
Types, Trademarks and Dosage of Calcium Antagonists
There are different types and trademarks of calcium antagonists. The dose of calcium antagonist given depends on the type and form of the drug, as well as the age and condition of the patient. Here are the details:
Amlodipine
Trademarks: Amlodipine Besilate, Amlodipine Besylate, Amovask, Comdipin, Concor AM, Normetec, Norvask, Quentin, Simvask and Zenovask
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the amlodipine drug page.
Diltiazem
Trademarks: Cordila SR, Dilmen, Diltiazem, Farmabes and Herbesser
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the diltiazem drug page.
Felodipine
Trademark: -
- Condition: hypertension
Adult: initial dose 5 mg daily. The dose can be adjusted according to the patient's response to the drug. Typical dosage is 2.5–10 mg per day.
- Condition: angina pectoris
Adult: initial dose 5 mg daily. The dose can be increased to 10 mg per day.
Isradipine
Trademark: -
- Condition: hypertension
Adults: initial dose of 2.5 mg, 2 times daily. If needed, after 3–4 weeks, the dose may be increased to 5 mg, 2 times daily or 10 mg, 2 times
nicardipine
Trademarks: Blistra, Carsive, Dipitenz, Nicardipine Hydrochloride, Nicardipine HCL, Nicardex, Perdipine, Quadipine, Tensilo, and Verdif
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the nicardipine drug page
Nimodipine
Trademarks: Ceremax, Nimodipine G, Nimotop, and Nimox
Purpose: treat ischemic neurologic deficits after bleeding subarachnoid
- Adult: initial dose of 1 mg per hour given directly through a central vein, dose increased to 2 mg per hour if no decrease in blood pressure occurs.
- Adults <70 kg or adults with unstable blood pressure: initial dose 0.5 mg per hour.
Treatment lasts for 5–14 days. The duration of treatment should not exceed 21 days if the patient is also taking nimodipine tablets.
Purpose: prevent ischemic neurologic deficit after bleeding subarachnoid
- Adults: 60 mg every 4 hours. Started within 4 days of bleeding and continued for 21 consecutive days.
Nisoldipine
Trademark:-
Condition: angina pectoris or hypertension
- Adults: initial dose of 5 mg or 10 mg rapid-release tablets, 2 times a day for a week. The maximum dose is 20 mg, 2 times a day.
- The dose of controlled-release tablet is 17 mg once daily. The maintenance dose is 8.5 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 34 mg per day.
Verapamil
Trademarks: Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Tarka and Verapamil HCL
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the verapamil drug page.
