Older people may be unusually sensitive to the effects of calcium channel blockers. This may increase the chance of side effects.
Grapefruit juice may increase the effects of some calcium channel blockers.
The effects of taking calcium channel blockers during pregnancy have not been studied in humans.
No, side effects of calcium channel blockers do not contain hair loss.
Taking calcium channel blockers with certain other drugs may affect the way the drugs work or may increase the chance of side effects.
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.
Anti-seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol). Calcium channel drugs may increase the effects of these medicines.
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.
Most people who take calcium-channel blockers have no side-effects, or only minor ones. Because of their action to relax and widen arteries, some people develop flushing and headache. These tend to ease over a few days if you continue to take the tablets. Mild ankle swelling is also quite common, particularly with dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers. Constipation is quite a common side-effect, especially with verapamil. You can often deal with this by increasing the amount of fibre that you eat, and increasing the amount of water and other fluids that you drink. Other side-effects are uncommon and include: feeling sick, palpitations, tiredness, dizziness, and rashes. This is not a complete list of all possible known side-effects. Read the information leaflet that comes with your particular brand for a full list of possible side-effects, but be optimistic: don't necessarily be put off taking these tablets. Serious side-effects are rare, and it's wise not to stop calcium-channel blockers without speaking to your doctor.
Emergent treatment for reversing effects of Calcium Channel Blockers such as Diltiazem (make sure you look up to verify but the following is my understanding) Can give Calcium gluconate or Chloride with some effect Also Glucagon and Inamrinone have been noted to have good results along with vasopressors for adequate resuscitation and should be started early if hypotension occurs. In Addition to : Airway protection, gastric lavage, and activated charcoal.
Breathing problems, coughing or wheezing; irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat; slow heartbeat (less than 50 beats per minute); skin rash; swollen ankles, feet, or lower legs.