What are the two types of calcium channel blockers?

There are two distinct chemical classes of CCBs: the dihydropyridines (such as nifedipine and amlodipine) and the nondihydropyridines (diltiazem and verapamil).

What drug blocks calcium channels?

Examples of calcium channel blockers include:

• Amlodipine (Norvasc)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others)
• Felodipine.
• Isradipine.
• Nicardipine.
• Nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia)
• Nisoldipine (Sular)
• Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)

What is a calcium channel blocker?

Listen to pronunciation. (KAL-see-um CHA-nul BLAH-ker) A type of drug that keeps calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, which allows the blood to flow more easily and lowers blood pressure.

What is the most effective calcium channel blocker?

The dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, a group that includes amlodipine, felodipine and lacidipine, are a common choice for treatment of hypertension. Amlodipine, which is both low cost and taken once daily, is the one of the most commonly prescribed agents.

What are side effects of calcium blocker?

Side Effects. Side effects of calcium channel blockers can include: Lightheadedness. Low blood pressure. Slower heart rate. Drowsiness. Constipation.

What are dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers?

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are a class of drugs used mainly to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure and angina. There are a number of different drugs included in the class, such as amlodipine , nifedipine, felodipine and nicardipine , each which may be known by different…

Do calcium blockers hurt bones?

Calcium channel blockers do not affect mineralization of the bone, nor do they increase the risk for osteoporosis. One group found that people on calcium channel blockers may have a slightly higher risk of fractures; however, that was thought to be due to an increased number of falls, especially in the elderly.

Are calcium blockers safe?

Calcium channel blockers are generally safe, but like any medication, need to be taken properly and with care. To lessen the chance of interactions, always tell your doctor about other medications you’re taking. And remember that you don’t have to deal with side effects: Talk to your doctor about them.