Neural transmission within the ganglia is cholinergic (acetylcholine) and the vasoconstrictive neurons release epinephrine at the blood vessels. So blocking neural transmission within the ganglia will reduce vasoconstriction.
The adverse effects of ganglionic blockers include paralysis of gastrointestinal movements, nausea, gastritis, urinary retention, and blurred vision.
Grapefruit juice may increase the effects of some calcium channel blockers.
Older people may be unusually sensitive to the effects of calcium channel blockers. This may increase the chance of side effects.
Taking calcium channel blockers with certain other drugs may affect the way the drugs work or may increase the chance of side effects.
Peripheral vasodilators may cause dizziness and orthostatic hypotension--a rapid lowering of blood pressure when the patient stands up in the morning.
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), a medicine that suppresses the immune system. Effects may increase if this drug is taken with calcium channel blockers.
Calcium channel blockers may interact with a number of other medications. When this happens, the effects of one or both of the drugs may change or the risk of side effects may increase.
Diuretics (water pills). This type of medicine may cause low levels of potassium in the body, which may increase the chance of unwanted effects from some calcium channel blockers.
After completion of the surgical procedure, headache , nausea, muscle soreness, and muscle weakness are the most frequently reported side effects attributed to neuromuscular blockers.
Medicines used to correct irregular heart rhythms, such as quinidine (Quinidex), disopyramide (Norpace), and procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl). The effects of these drugs may increase if used with calcium channel blockers.
The effects of taking calcium channel blockers during pregnancy have not been studied in humans.
Anti-seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol). Calcium channel drugs may increase the effects of these medicines.