Drug Classes: Calcium Channel Blockers

Used to treat: Hypertension, Angina (selected drugs only*), Coronary Artery Spasm (selected drugs only#)


Mechanism of Action: Blocks the entry of Calcium ions (Ca2+) into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle tissue, delaying contraction


Contraindications: Known sensitivity, concurrent use of medications for erectile dysfunction (unsafe drop in blood pressure), Digoxin (increased serum levels of digoxin, toxicity), NSAIDs (decreased effectiveness of Ca2+ channel blocker), Grapefruit juice may increase serum levels



Pregnancy Category: C - Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Common Medications (Brand -- Generic)

• Norvasc - Amlodipine
• Tabelts: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg
• Cardizem, Tazia*# - Diltiazem
• Tablets: 30mg, 60mg, 90mg, 120mg
• Sustained Release Capsules (Twice Daily):  60mg, 90mg, 120mg
• Extended Release Capsules (Once Daily): 120mg, 180mg, 240mg, 300mg, 400mg
• Extended Release Tablets (Once Daily): 120mg, 180mg, 240mg, 300mg, 400mg
• Plendil* - Felodipine
• Extended Release Tablets: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg
• Nifediac/ Adalat* - NIFEdipine
• Capsules: 10mg, 20mg
• Extended Release Tablets: 30mg, 60mg, 90mg
• Calan, Isoptin, Verelan*# - Verapamil
• Tablets: 40mg, 80mg, 120mg
• Extended Release Tablets: 120mg, 180mg, 240mg

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Peripheral Edema
• Flushing

Rare, but Potentially Deadly Side Effects

• Arrhythmia
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Combination Drugs Containing Calcium Channel Blockers:

• Lexxel - Felodipine/ Enalapril (ACE Inhibitor)
• Tarka - Verapamil/ Trandolapril (ACE Inhibitor)
• Caduet - Amlodipine/ Atorvastatin (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor)
• Lotrel - Amlodipine/ Benazepril (ACE Inhibitor)
• Azor - Amlodipine/ Olmesartan (Angiotensin II Inhibitor)
• Tribenzor - Amlodipine/ Olmesartan/ HCTZ (Angiotensin II Inhibitor /Diuretic)
• Exforge - Amlodipine/ Valsartan (Angiotensin II Inhibitor)
• Exforge HCT - Amlodipine/ Valsartan/ Hydrochlorothiazide (Angiotensin II Inhibitor/ Diuretic)

Best Wishes, 

C. Samuels