Which is better calcium channel blockers or beta blockers?

Table of Contents Show

Examples of calcium channel blockers
When calcium channel blockers are used
Side effects
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Which is safer beta blockers or calcium channel blockers?
When should you not use calcium channel blockers?
What are the disadvantages of calcium channel blockers?
Are calcium channel blockers better than beta blockers for AFIB?

These medications lower blood pressure and treat other conditions such as chest pain and an irregular heartbeat.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Calcium channel blockers are medications used to lower blood pressure. They work by preventing calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arteries. Calcium causes the heart and arteries to squeeze (contract) more strongly. By blocking calcium, calcium channel blockers allow blood vessels to relax and open.

Some calcium channel blockers can also slow the heart rate, which can further lower blood pressure. The medications may also be prescribed to relieve chest pain (angina) and control an irregular heartbeat.

Calcium channel blockers are also called calcium antagonists.

Examples of calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. Short-acting medications work quickly, but their effects last only a few hours. Long-acting medications are slowly released to provide a longer lasting effect. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.

Examples of calcium channel blockers include:

Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others)
Felodipine
Isradipine
Nicardipine
Nifedipine (Procardia)
Nisoldipine (Sular)
Verapamil (Calan SR, Verelan)

Sometimes, a doctor might prescribe a calcium channel blocker with other high blood pressure medications or with cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins.

When calcium channel blockers are used

In addition to being used to treat high blood pressure, a doctor also may prescribe calcium channel blockers to prevent, treat or improve symptoms of conditions, such as:

Coronary artery disease
Chest pain (angina)
Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
Blood vessel conditions, such as Raynaud's disease

For blacks 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

Side effects of calcium channel blockers may include:

Constipation
Dizziness
Fast heartbeat (palpitations)
Fatigue
Flushing
Headache
Nausea
Rash
Swelling in the feet and lower legs

Avoid grapefruit products while taking certain calcium channel blockers. Grapefruit juice interacts with the drug and can affect heart rate and blood pressure. This can cause symptoms such as headaches and dizziness.

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Sept. 16, 2021

Mann JFE. Choice of drug therapy in primary (essential) hypertension. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 25, 2019.
Types of blood pressure medications. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/types-of-blood-pressure-medications. Accessed July 26, 2021.
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Which is safer beta blockers or calcium channel blockers?

2) Calcium channel blockers should not be used in specific sub-groups of patients including those with decompensated heart failure. Beta blockers are considered much safer in this patient population.

When should you not use calcium channel blockers?

In general, patients who have certain types of heart problems or low blood pressure may not be able to take calcium channel blockers. Other reasons why you may not be able to take some of these medications include pregnancy, heart problems, liver problems, or certain types of irregular heart rhythms.

What are the disadvantages of calcium channel blockers?

Side effects of calcium channel blockers can include:.

Lightheadedness..

Low blood pressure..

Slower heart rate..

Drowsiness..

Constipation..

Swelling of feet ankles and legs..

Increased appetite..

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Are calcium channel blockers better than beta blockers for AFIB?

Calcium channel blockers are associated with better exercise tolerance than beta-blockers in patients with AF, but may be less effective at controlling the ventricular response.