Download Calcium channel blockers summarized

Treating High Blood Pressure:
Is a Calcium Channel Blocker Drug
Right for You?
What are calcium channel blockers?
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a group of drugs
used to treat high blood pressure. They are also used
to treat chest pain (angina) and irregular heart rhythm
(arrhythmia).
Why is it important to control high blood
pressure?
High blood pressure is a leading cause of death. Millions
of Americans do not know they have it. It can be hard
to keep under control, and it causes more heart attacks
and strokes than any other condition. It also raises your
risk of heart failure, dementia, and kidney failure.
How do CCBs help?
CCBs relax the walls of the arteries. This makes it
easier for blood to flow, and, as a result, lowers blood
pressure. CCBs also slow the heart rate, and they can
help control and prevent chest pain caused by angina.
But it may take several weeks before you feel the
benefit of taking one.
CCBs can be used alone, but often they are used along
with other drugs, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors,
beta-blockers, and ARBs. Many people need two or
more drugs to bring their blood pressure down to a
normal level.
What are the side effects of CCBs?
The side effects of CCBs include dizziness, flushing
(hot, red face), hard stool (constipation), headaches,
and swollen gums or ankles. They can also cause
diarrhea, nausea, and tiredness. In rare cases, they can
cause the heart rate to slow too much. You may have to
try more than one CCB to find the one that works best
for you.
Our advice:
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure or
another heart problem, talk with your doctor about
which drugs are right for you.
If your blood pressure is slightly above normal, making
lifestyle changes may be enough. These include eating
healthier foods, exercising, controlling your weight,
limiting alcohol, and stopping smoking. You may also
need to take a diuretic (such as generic hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone).
But if you have high blood pressure and you have
angina, or you are at high risk for a heart attack or a
stroke, your doctor may prescribe a CCB.
We compared the cost and safety of calcium channel
blockers. We also compared how well they work to
lower blood pressure and help angina and arrhythmias.
We chose these four as Consumer Reports Best Buy
Drugs. All are available as generics.
For angina and as a second drug for high blood
pressure—amlodipine
For an abnormal heart rhythm—diltiazem CD,
diltiazem SR, or verapamil SR
The chart on the next page can help you compare costs.
CCBs help treat angina and irregular heart
rhythms, as well as high blood pressure. But
it may take several weeks to feel the benefits.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Drug Comparison Chart*
Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs are in blue. We recommend these drugs because they work as
well and are as safe as the other drugs, and they cost less. The dollar symbol means the dose of
that drug may be available for a low monthly cost through programs offered by large chain stores,
like Costco, CVS, Kmart, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens. Some of these stores
have restrictions or charge a membership fee, however.
Our analysis is based on a scientific review by the Oregon Health and Science University-based
Drug Effectiveness Review Project. This is a summary of a longer, more detailed report you can find
at www.CRBestBuyDrugs.org.
Best Buy Generic Name
Brand Name A
Pills per
& Strength
Day B
Average Cost
per Month C
Amlodipine 5 mg tablet
Generic
One
$22
Amlodipine 5 mg tablet
Norvasc
One
$78
Diltiazem CDD 180 mg capsule
Generic
One
$33
Diltiazem CD 180 mg capsule
Cartia XT
One
$40
Diltiazem CD 180 mg capsule
Cardizem CD
One
$143
Diltiazem SRE 90 mg capsule
Generic
One
$28
Felodipine SR 5 mg tablet
Generic
One
$37
Isradipine SR 5 mg tablet
DynaCirc CR
One
$105
Nicardipine SR 30 mg capsule
Cardene SR
Two
$102
Nifedipine SR 30 mg tablet
Afeditab CR
One
$34
Nifedipine SR 30 mg tablet
Generic
One
$34
Nisoldipine SR 17 mg tablet
Sular
One
$291
Nisoldipine SR 17 mg tablet
Generic
One
$176
Verapamil SR 120 mg tablet
Generic
One
$24 Verapamil SR 120 mg tablet
Calan SR
One
$80
Recommended Use
Angina and high blood pressure
Abnormal heart rhythm
Abnormal heart rhythm
Abnormal heart rhythm
* Due to space limitations, this chart does not list all CCBs. For a more complete list, see the full report at www.CRBestBuyDrugs.org.
A “Generic” indicates that this drug is sold under its generic name.
B Frequency per day reflects usual frequency; some medicines may be used more or less frequently.
C Prices reflect national average retail cash prices for January 2011, rounded to the nearest dollar. Information derived by Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs from data provided by Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions, which is not involved in our analysis or recommendations.
D “CD” stands for continuous delivery.
E “SR” stands for sustained release.
This series is produced by Consumer Reports and Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, a public information project supported by grants from the state Attorney General Consumer and Prescriber
Education Grant Program which is funded by the multi-state settlement of consumer fraud claims regarding the marketing of the prescription drug Neurontin. This brief should not be viewed as a
substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. It is provided to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it.