Calcium channel–blockers are used to treat hypertension [4] , angina [5] , heart [6] arrhythmias , and other heart-related conditions.
Examples of drugs in this family include:
Possible Decreased Action of Drug
Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements might interfere with some of the effects of calcium channel-blockers. 1-7 [9]
Ginkgo Biloba [10]
Possible Decreased Action of Drug
According to a study in rats, ginkgo extract may cause the body to metabolize some calcium channel blockers more rapidly, thereby decreasing their effects. 8 [11]
May Necessitate Reduction in Drug Dosage
Some evidence suggests that the bioflavonoid naringen may interact with medications in the calcium channel blocker family, increasing blood levels of the drug. 9 [13] This may necessitate a reduction in drug dosage.
References
1. Bar-Or D and Gasiel Y. Calcium and calciferol antagonise effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1981;282:1585-1586.
2. Hariman RJ, Mangiardi LM, McAllister RG Jr, et al. Reversal of the cardiovascular effects of verapamil by calcium and sodium: differences between electrophysiologic and hemodynamic responses. Circulation. 1971;59:797-804.
3. Guadagnino V, Greengart A, Hollander G, et al. Treatment of severe left ventricular dysfunction with calcium chloride in patients receiving verapamil. J Clin Pharmacol. 1987;27:407-409.
4. Salerno DM, Anderson B, Sharkey PJ, et al. Intravenous verapamil for treatment of multifocal atrial tachycardia with and without calcium pretreatment. Ann Intern Med. 1987;107:623-628.
5. Luscher TF, Noll G, Sturmer T, et al. Calcium gluconate in severe verapamil intoxication. N Engl J Med. 1994;330:718-720.
6. Orr GM, Bodansky HJ, Dymond DS, et al. Fatal verapamil overdose. Lancet. 1982;2:1218-1219.
7. Kuhn M and Schriger DL. Low-dose calcium pretreatment to prevent verapamil-induced hypotension. Am Heart J. 1992;124:231-232.
8. Shinozuka K, Umegaki K, Kubota Y, et al. Feeding of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) enhances gene expression of hepatic cytochrome P-450 and attenuates the hypotensive effect of nicardipine in rats. Life Sci. 2002;70:2783-2792.
9. Yeum CH, Choi JS. Effect of naringin pretreatment on bioavailability of verapamil in rabbits. Arch Pharm Res. 2006;29:102-107.
Last reviewed October 2007 by EBSCO CAM Review Board [14]
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical [15] advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health [16] provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical [15] condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
Links:
[1] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/calcium-channel-blockers#calcium
[2] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/calcium-channel-blockers#ginkgo
[3] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/calcium-channel-blockers#naringen
[4] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/hypertension
[5] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/angina
[6] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/cardiac-arrhythmia
[7] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/calcium
[8] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/vitamin-d
[9] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/calcium-channel-blockers#ref1
[10] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/ginkgo
[11] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/calcium-channel-blockers#ref8
[12] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/citrus-bioflavonoids
[13] http://www.thirdage.com/healthguide/calcium-channel-blockers#ref9
[14] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/ebsco-complementary-and-alternative-medicine-cam-review-board-0
[15] http://www.thirdage.com/medical-care
[16] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness