Drug Class13 Medications

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers are medications that prevent calcium from entering the heart and blood vessel muscle cells, causing them to relax. They are used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders.

Mechanism of Action

Calcium Channel Blockers work by blocking the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. Calcium is needed for these cells to contract, so by blocking its entry, these medicines cause the heart to beat with less force and the blood vessels to relax and widen. This action helps to lower blood pressure, reduce the heart's workload, and improve blood flow to the heart.

Clinical Uses

This drug class is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, helping to lower it and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. They are also widely prescribed for angina (chest pain) by improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Certain calcium channel blockers can also help control an irregular heartbeat or prevent migraines, benefiting a wide range of patients with heart and circulatory conditions.

Side Effects & Safety

Common side effects include swelling in the ankles or feet, headache, dizziness, flushing (redness and warmth of the face), and constipation. More serious but less common side effects can include a very slow heart rate, heart failure, or severe allergic reactions. Patients should always report any unusual or severe symptoms to their doctor.

Conditions Treated

Calcium Channel Blockers medications are used to treat the following conditions:

Calcium Channel Blockers Medications (13)

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Amlodipine besylate

Brand: Norvasc, Katerzia, Norliqva

Rx Only

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic stable angina, vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina, and coronary artery disease. It is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, known for its once-daily dosing, excellent tolerability, and proven cardiovascular outcomes data from the ALLHAT and CAMELOT trials. Amlodipine is available as a generic for as little as $4/month.

$4–$15/month/month

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Amlodipine besylate

Brand: Amlodipine Besylate

Rx Only

Amlodipine Besylate is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and allows more blood and oxygen to reach the heart.

$4–$25/month/month

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Clevidipine

Brand: Cleviprex

Rx Only

Cleviprex (clevidipine) is a medication given intravenously to quickly lower very high blood pressure. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which helps blood flow more easily. This medicine is used when a rapid blood pressure reduction is needed, especially if taking pills by mouth isn't possible or ideal.

$1,000–$3,000+/vial/month

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Diltiazem hydrochloride

Brand: Diltiazem Hydrochloride

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Diltiazem Hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat certain heart conditions. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to improve blood flow to the heart. This medication is primarily prescribed to manage chest pain (angina) caused by heart disease or spasms in the heart's arteries.

$10–$50/month/month

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Felodipine

Brand: Felodipine

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Felodipine is a medication known as a calcium channel blocker, primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious heart-related problems.

$15-$40/month/month

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Felodipine extended-release tablets

Brand: Felodipine

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Felodipine Extended-Release Tablets are a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker, used to treat high blood pressure. By relaxing and widening blood vessels, this medication helps to lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$150–$400/month/month

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Isradipine

Brand: Isradipine

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Isradipine is a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker, primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps blood flow more easily and lowers the pressure within your arteries. This helps reduce the strain on your heart and can prevent complications from high blood pressure.

$200–$500/month/month

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Nicardipine

Brand: Nicardipine hydrochloride

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Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chronic stable angina, a type of chest pain. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps blood flow more easily and reduces the heart's workload.

$300–$800/month/month

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Nicardipine hydrochloride

Brand: Nicardipine Hydrochloride

Rx Only

Nicardipine Hydrochloride is a medication known as a calcium channel blocker. It is used for the short-term treatment of high blood pressure, particularly when a patient cannot take medication by mouth. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure.

$200–$600/month/month

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Nifedipine

Brand: Nifedipine

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Nifedipine is a medication used to treat certain types of chest pain, specifically vasospastic angina. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which helps improve blood flow to the heart and reduces chest pain.

$50–$200/month/month

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Nimodipine

Brand: nimodipine

Rx Only

Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker medication used to help improve recovery in patients who have experienced a specific type of bleeding in the brain called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. It works by helping to prevent damage to brain cells that can occur after this type of bleeding.

$500–$1,500/month/month

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Nisoldipine

Brand: Nisoldipine

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Nisoldipine is a medication called a calcium channel blocker, used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. This can reduce the risk of serious health problems like strokes and heart attacks.

$200–$600/month/month

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Verapamil hydrochloride

Brand: Verapamil Hydrochloride

Rx Only

Verapamil Hydrochloride is a medication known as a calcium channel blocker, used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, certain types of irregular heartbeats, and chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing down the heart rate, which helps to improve blood flow and reduce the heart's workload.

$200–$500/month/month

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.