What do calcium channel blockers interact with?

What do calcium channel blockers interact with?

Calcium channel blockers interact with several drugs. Verapamil (Covera-HS, Verelan PM, Calan) and diltiazem (Cardizem LA, Tiazac) reduce the elimination and increase the blood levels of carbamazepine (Tegretol), simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), and lovastatin (Mevacor).

What should be avoided when taking calcium channel blockers?

Avoid grapefruit products while taking certain calcium channel blockers. Grapefruit juice interacts with the drug and can affect heart rate and blood pressure. This can cause symptoms such as headaches and dizziness.

Can I take vitamin D with calcium channel blockers?

Similarly, normal doses of vitamin D-3 (4,000 IU a day or less) do not significantly affect calcium levels, and may be taken with calcium-channel blockers.

What drugs interact with calcium?

Calcium can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline), estramustine, levothyroxine, and quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin).

When are calcium channel blockers contraindicated?

Calcium channel antagonists are also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components. Other contraindications include sick sinus syndrome (except in patients with an artificial pacemaker), severe hypotension, acute myocardial infarction, and pulmonary congestion.

Why are calcium channel blockers bad for you?

3. The best available scientific evidence links calcium channel blockers to an increased risk of heart attack and death in people using these drugs for high blood pressure and chest pain. 4. The calcium channel blocking drugs are often prescribed for the life of the patient.

Do calcium channel blockers make you urinate more?

Calcium Channel Blockers This class of medication, used to treat hypertension, may cause the bladder to relax and affect its ability to empty properly, says Hudspeth.

What is the best time of day to take calcium channel blockers?

Calcium channel blockers should be taken at the same time each day. It is better to take them before or during a meal. If you are taking a calcium channel blocker you should avoid grapefruit juice as it can increase the levels of drug in your body and increase the risk of side effects.

What medication Cannot be taken with calcium?

Calcium can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as tetracycline antibiotics (for example, doxycycline, minocycline), bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), estramustine, levothyroxine, and quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin).

Do Calcium-channel blockers block calcium absorption?

Calcium-channel blockers lower blood pressure by reducing the amount of calcium available to contract blood vessels. However, they don’t prevent calcium in the blood from being incorporated into bone.

Who Cannot take calcium channel blockers?

You have kidney or liver disease. You have low blood sugar. This medicine can lower your blood sugar if your daily dose is more than 60 mg. You have Parkinson’s disease.

How do other drugs interact with calcium channel blockers?

Other high blood pressure medications,including ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors or beta blockers.

Diuretics (water pills).

Some eye medications.

Large amounts of vitamin D or calcium supplements.

Drugs used to treat arrhythmia.

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How safe are calcium channel blockers?

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.

How should I take calcium channel blockers?

Calcium channel blockers should always be taken with a meal or a glass of milk to protect the stomach. You should not, however, take calcium channel blockers with grapefruit juice or grapefruit. Grapefruit (and its juice) can alter the effects of many drugs, including calcium channel blockers.

What are the most common calcium channel blocker side effects?

Common side effects of calcium channel blockers include: headache, constipation, rash, nausea, flushing, edema (fluid accumulation in tissues), drowsiness, low blood pressure, and dizziness.