Calcium channel blockers
Relax blood vessels, and some types also slow the heart.
Why it gets prescribed
Commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, angina, and some rhythm disorders.
What to watch for
Ankle swelling is common with this group and worth reporting — it differs from cardiac swelling, and the prescriber can tell them apart.
Stopping — read this before you stop anything
Do not stop on your own. If swelling bothers you, report it for review rather than stopping.
Tell the prescriber and the pharmacist
Grapefruit affects some medicines in this group. Ask your pharmacist whether yours is one of them.
Worth asking
- Does mine interact with grapefruit
- Is my ankle swelling from the medicine
- How often should blood pressure be rechecked