|
Side effects will vary greatly depending on the type and dosage of calcium channel blocker (CCB) prescribed. The dihydropyridines, because of their potent vasodilator effect, are more likely to result in side effects such as:
The major side effect to verapamil, by contrast, is constipation, which occurs in more than 25 percent of patients.
Other conditions that should be immediately reported to a physician include:
- Allergic reaction. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing sneezing, respiratory congestion, itchiness and/or skin rash.
- Bradycardia. An abnormally slow heart rate that may cause fainting (syncope).
- Low blood pressure (hypotension). Abnormally low blood pressure, which may cause severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Heart block. Delayed or complete lack of communication between the upper and lower chambers of the heart.
- Tachycardia. An abnormally fast heart rate that may cause a pounding heartbeat (palpitations).
- Central nervous system imbalance (rare). This can manifest as loss of balance control, tremors, a shuffling walk, difficulty speaking or swallowing, a mask-like face, insomnia, nightmares, vivid dreams, depression or psychosis.
One of the more common side effects of CCBs is a brief headache that occurs shortly after taking the medication. This generally improves over time as the patient adjusts to the medication. Other potential side effects of calcium channel blockers include:
- Muscle, back or joint pain (rare, but more common in older patients)
- Abdominal cramps or upset stomach (nausea)
- Dry mouth
- Numbness or tingling of hands and feet
- Chest pain (rare)
- Tenderness, swelling or bleeding of the gums (rare)
|
/doctor_89.jpg "ulcerative colitis tips")
