Calcium channel blockers

Topic: Pharmacology

A drug class that blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle and heart cells. Dihydropyridines (e.g., amlodipine) dilate arteries and can cause headache, flushing, ankle edema and reflex tachycardia. Nondihydropyridines (diltiazem, verapamil) also slow the heart rate and AV conduction and can cause bradycardia, heart block and constipation. They treat hypertension, angina and some arrhythmias. Check blood pressure and pulse before each dose, hold and consult if below ordered parameters, and teach the client to avoid grapefruit juice.

Also known as:

CCBs, Calcium antagonists

In Turkish:

Kalsiyum kanal blokerleri