Calcium channel blockers

Common medication of calcium channel blockers

• Amlodipine (Norvasc)

• Diltiazem (Cardizem)

• Nifedipine (Adalat/Procardia)

• Vermapril (Calan/Isopin)

Action of calcium channel blockers

• inhibit the movement of calcium ions across the cell membrane

Therapeutic action of calcium channel blockers

• decreased arrhythmia

• slower rate of contraction of the heart

• relation of smooth muscles which causes vasodilation

• reduced blood pressure

Indications/uses of calcium channel blockers

• HTN

• angina pectoris

Contraindication for calcium channel blockers

• bradycardia

• 2nd/3rd degree heart block

• uncompensated HF

Nursing implications for calcium channel blockers

• baseline BP

• Hold of systolic BP is less than 100

• Hold if pulse is less than 50

• Baseline wt

• if pt is taking Digoxin monitor for digitalis toxicity

Adverse effects of calcium channel blockers

• Hypotension

• Syncope

• Edema

Nursing diagnosis for calcium channel blockers

• ineffective tissue perfusion

Desired outcome of calcium channel blockers

• lower BP

• decreases frequency and severity of anginal attacks

• decreased need for nitrate therapy

Precautions of calcium channel blockers

• safety bot established for pregnancy and lactation

• liver disease

• uncontrolled arrhythmia

Interactions for calcium channel blockers

• grapefruit juice

• digoxin

• lovastatan

• simvastatin