Calcium Channel Blockers

Question 1

What is the action of the calcium channel blockers?

Answer 1

Inhibits movement of calcium ions
↓ impulse & conduction of heart
dilates arteries
↓ BP, Cardiac workload, & myocardial oxygen consumption

Question 2

Calcium channel blockers drug names? Hint: end in “dipine”

Answer 2

Amlodipine
Felodipine
Nifedipine
Verapamil
Diltiazem

Question 3

What are the indications (use for)?

Answer 3

HTN
Angina (chest pain)
Arrhythmias

Question 4

What are the contraindications/Cautions?

Answer 4

Allergy
Renal/Hepatic Dysfunction
Heart block or sick sinus syndrome (conduction issues in heart = ↓ HR)
CHF → (Don’t give calcium channel blockers)

Question 5

What are drug-drug interactions?

Answer 5

Cyclosporine & diltiazem (↑ toxicity of the cyclosporine)
Digoxin & Verapamil (↑ risk of ditch toxicity)
NEVER TAKE GRAPEFRUIT WITH THESE MEDS

Question 6

What are the adverse effects?

Answer 6

CNS: Dizziness, Fatigue, Headache, Light-headiness, ↓ cardiac output
CV: Bradycardia, Hypotension, peripheral edema & heart block
Other:
GI: nausea, toxic on liver cells
Skin: flushing or rash

Question 7

What are the nursing implications?

Answer 7

Hx for contraindications of this meds
Vitals
ECG: pain
Labs: liver/renal fxn tests
Risk for injury
Keep an eye on BP, Cardiac rhythm & cardiac output
Small frequent meals if GI effects
Stress ↑ myocardial oxygen demand & BP
Response to drug