Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB)

Help block certain types of channels

Medications: “dipine” and others

  • amlodipine

  • felodipine

  • nifedipine

  • verapamil

  • diltiazem

What do calcium channel blockers (CCB) treat?

  • Hypertension (HTN)

  • angina

  • SVT (super ventricular tachycardia)

  • a-fib

  • Raynaud’s disease

  • migraines

How do calcium channel blockers (CCB) work?

  • block L-type calcium channels → dilate (widen) & relax blood vessels

Side effects of calcium channel blockers (CCB)

  • bradycardia

  • hypotension

  • reflex tachycardia

  • orthostatic hypotension

  • first degree heart block

  • GI issues: constipation

  • affect mouth: especially gums: gingival hyperplasia

Nurse Role:

  • monitor pts HR

  • monitor pts BP

  • monitor ECG

  • no grapefruit/grapefruit juice (affects how the medications work)

  • Educate on:

    • high fiber diet (because can cause constipation)

    • good oral hygiene (to protect gums because of gingival hyperplasia)

    • changing positions slowly due to BP changes