Do calcium channel blockers affect muscles?

The calcium channel blockers act by blocking the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells during membrane depolarization. Because muscle contraction is largely dependent upon influx of calcium, its inhibition causes relaxation, particularly in arterial beds.

Can calcium channel blockers cause muscle weakness?

This drug may cause muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. The risk may be raised if you have low thyroid function or kidney problems. It may also be raised if you take this drug with certain other drugs, or if you are 65 or older. Sometimes, a severe muscle problem may lead to kidney problems.

What are the most common side effects of calcium channel blockers?

Side effects of calcium channel blockers may include:

Constipation.
Dizziness.
Fast heartbeat (palpitations)
Fatigue.
Flushing.
Headache.
Nausea.
Rash.

Do calcium channel blockers affect cardiac muscle?

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the cell, which prevents calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Although all the calcium channel blockers exert this effect on cardiac muscle, one compound may be more effective for a specific heart condition than another.

Why do calcium channel blockers not affect skeletal muscle?

Nope. Skeletal muscle doesn’t need extracellular calcium for muscle contraction. It just uses it’s sarcoplasmic reticulum. (And I guess the calcium channels on the sarcoplasmic reticulum don’t get affected by calcium channel blockers because the drug doesn’t get intracellular?)

Do calcium channel blockers make you gain weight?

Drugs taken to control blood pressure, like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, do not necessarily encourage weight gain, Dr. Jensen said, but they seem to make it harder for some patients to lose weight.

Do calcium channel blockers weaken bones?

Calcium channel blockers do not affect mineralization of the bone, nor do they increase the risk for osteoporosis. One group found that people on calcium channel blockers may have a slightly higher risk of fractures; however, that was thought to be due to an increased number of falls, especially in the elderly.

Can amlodipine cause heavy legs?

In those taking higher dose (10mg) amlodipine, about 10 people in every 100 reported leg swelling (10%). Interestingly, women are more likely to get the swelling, and most people tolerate this well and do not have to discontinue the medication.

Which calcium channel blocker has the least side effects?

Calcium channel blockers are common medications that have a low risk of complications….Dihydropyridines

amlodipine (Norvasc)
felodipine (Plendil)
isradipine (DynaCirc)
nicardipine (Cardene)
nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
nimodipine (Nimotop, Nymalize)
nisoldipine (Sular)

Can I stop taking calcium channel blockers?

Don’t stop taking your calcium-channel blockers unless your doctor tells you to. If you suddenly stop taking calcium-channel blockers, it can raise your blood pressure and cause pain and tightness in your chest (angina). If you’d like to stop taking your medicine, your doctor will tell you how to do this safely.

Can calcium channel blockers cause muscle cramps?

Calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure. These can cause leg swelling. Diuretics. These can cause leg cramps.

How do calcium channel blockers work in the body?

Why do calcium channel blockers cause vasodilation?

Because muscle contraction is largely dependent upon influx of calcium, its inhibition causes relaxation, particularly in arterial beds. Thus, the major effects of the calcium channel blockers are relaxation of vascular and arterial smooth muscle cells resulting in arterial vasodilation.

What happens if calcium is blocked in the body?

Blocking the flow of calcium is dangerous since calcium is essential for normal cell life and operation – as well as for the whole body. Without sufficient calcium, you cannot live. The Wall Street Journal (winter, l996) reported that patients who took calcium channel blockers had 60% more chance of dying of a heart attack.

Do calcium channel blockers work better for black people?

For black people and older people, calcium channel blockers might work better than other blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Side effects of calcium channel blockers may include: