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Calcium channel blockers are one of the main classes of drugs in the treatment of hypertension. Many clinical studies have demonstrated the role of calcium channel blockers in lowering blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular events. However, there may be some side effects while using the drug, which patients need to be very careful about.1. Effects of calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers are an important class of drugs in the treatment of hypertension. The mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers is to inhibit the influx of calcium ions into cardiac muscle cells and vascular smooth muscle, thereby causing vasodilation and reduction of peripheral resistance, lowering blood pressure. The drug also has the effect of slowing down the heart rate, reducing cardiac output, reducing myocardial contractility.Many clinical studies have demonstrated the role of calcium channel blockers in the treatment of hypertension and in protecting patients from cardiovascular events. Long-term use of calcium channel blockers in hypertension does not cause dyslipidemia nor affect blood sugar. Because of their many advantages, calcium channel blockers are increasingly used.
Calcium channel blockers have many different forms such as: short-acting form, long-acting form, dominant form acting on vasculature, dominant form acting on heart. The doctor will decide which medicine to use for the patient depending on the blood pressure status and the previous treatment regimen. Some commonly used calcium channel blockers include: Amlodipine, Felodipine, Isradipine, Nicardipine, Nifedipine, Nisodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil.
2. In which cases are calcium channel blockers indicated?
In addition to using calcium channel blockers in hypertension, calcium channel blockers are also indicated in other cases such as:
Coronary artery disease Angina pectoris Irregular heartbeat Some circulatory disorders , like Raynaud's disease For certain populations, such as blacks and the elderly, calcium channel blockers may work better than other blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or blockers. angiotensin II receptor.
Bên cạnh sử dụng trong tăng huyết áp, thuốc chẹn kênh canxi còn được chỉ định trong nhiều trường hợp khác
3. Side effects of calcium channel blockers
Side effects of calcium channel blockers that may be encountered during use are:
Headache Dizziness, dizziness, nausea, fatigue Low blood pressure Heart rhythm disturbances Dry mouth Peripheral edema such as swollen ankles legs, feet, legs, ... due to fluid seepage from the vascular cavity into the tissues involved in dilation of pre-capillary arterioles. Skin rash Constipation or diarrhea Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
4. Some notes when using calcium channel blockers in hypertension
4.1. Precautions before using calcium channel blockers
Before using calcium channel blockers, please tell your doctor:
All medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal medicines,... Doctor Your doctor will check for interactions between calcium channel blockers and medications you are taking to prevent possible adverse interactions. About all existing medical conditions, especially heart, blood vessel, kidney or liver disease. Based on the specific condition of the patient, the doctor will adjust the prescription accordingly.
4.2. How to use calcium channel blockers?
Use the drug according to the correct dose and number of times as directed by the doctor. Most calcium channel blockers can be taken with food or milk, but read labels and consult your doctor before taking them. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice during treatment with calcium channel blockers, as grapefruit prevents the breakdown and elimination of the drug from the body. This may increase toxicity or decrease the effectiveness of treatment.
Patients should return for regular check-ups according to the doctor's appointment to check the response to treatment with calcium channel blockers and detect early side effects if any. Your doctor may adjust the dose, change or combine medications if calcium channel blockers are not working as expected.
Sử dụng thuốc theo đúng liều lượng
4.3. Drug interactions to watch out for
In addition to grapefruit and grapefruit juice, when using calcium channel blockers, patients also need to be careful not to drink alcohol because alcohol will reduce the therapeutic effect of the drug and increase side effects. In addition, the combined use of calcium channel blockers with other blood pressure medications can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Therefore, it is very important for the patient to tell the doctor all the medications they are taking. The doctor and the patient will work together to find the most suitable treatment.
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References: mayoclinic.org, webmd.com
