Calcium Channel Blocker Side Effects

Although most people do not experience any problems while taking calcium channel blockers, side effects are possible. Some of the more common side effects of calcium channel blockers include fatigue, headaches, and swelling. In most cases, you or your healthcare provider can easily treat the side effects of calcium channel blockers. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you develop more serious side effects, such as temporary blindness, difficulty breathing, or depression.

 

An Overview of Calcium Channel Blocker Side Effects

As with any type of medicine, there are possible side effects with calcium channel blockers. However, not everyone who takes a calcium channel blocker will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate them well. When side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. There are also several factors that can increase your risk of developing side effects, including:
 
  • The dosage and type of calcium channel blocker
  • Age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medicines you are currently taking.
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(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects of calcium channel blockers. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of calcium channel blocker side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Calcium Channel Blockers

Each calcium channel blocker has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and then compared to the side effects of another group not taking the medicine.
 As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common side effects of calcium channel blockers included:
 
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (palpitations)
  • Flushing or hot flashes
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • A sore throat
  • Swelling or water retention in the hands, feet, or lower legs.
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(Calcium Channel Blocker Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;