Treatment for Hypertension With Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
In the past, doctors would only consider prescribing medications for hypertension when the patient’s blood pressure reached 160/100. However, recent studies and research findings have shown that doctors should now consider medication for stage 1 hypertension, which is defined as a blood pressure reading between 130/90 and 139/89, in order to prevent further increases in blood pressure. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends a once-per-day dosage of CCBs and advises physicians to prescribe generic versions whenever possible. Experts in pharmacology suggest initiating treatment with the lowest effective dose and gradually increasing it until blood pressure is adequately controlled. In certain cases, such as stage 2 hypertension or blood pressure readings of 140/90 or higher, the physician may opt to prescribe a combination of two different drugs.
Medications and Foods to Avoid When Taking CCBs
When prescribed calcium channel blockers (CCBs), it is crucial for doctors to be aware of any other medications their patients are taking, as some medications can either increase or decrease the effectiveness of CCBs. Medications that may pose potential problems when taken alongside CCBs include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, antiarrhythmics, diuretics, digitalis, and certain eye medications.
Azole antifungal agents, commonly used to treat athlete’s foot, are known to increase the level of CCBs in the body, potentially causing adverse effects. Another medication that can interfere with the absorption of CCBs is grapefruit juice. Studies have shown that consuming grapefruit juice prevents the body from effectively absorbing CCBs. To avoid any complications, individuals should wait at least four hours after taking CCBs before consuming grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice.
Furthermore, it is recommended that patients taking CCBs avoid smoking, as the combination of CCBs and smoking increases the likelihood of experiencing tachycardia, a rapid heart rate.