High blood pressure medicines such as Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) are used by millions of Americans for angina, and certain heart rhythm abnormalities.
The cost for Calcium Channel Blockers varies from about $22 to more than $120 per month. This report presents information that will help you: (a) determine when you might need a Calcium Channel Blockers; (b) choose the right Calcium Channel Blockers and dose; and (c) save $1,000 to $1,700 a year if you are currently taking or have been prescribed an expensive brand-name Calcium Channel Blockers.
Calcium Channel Blockers are effective high blood pressure medicine and help prevent and treat the symptoms of angina. Two Calcium Channel Blockers are effective in controlling certain heart rhythm problems.
Calcium Channel Blockers are typically not prescribed as initial or first-step treatment as a high blood pressure medicine or for people who have no other form of heart disease. Instead, Calcium Channel Blockers are often used as a second or third drug to help lower high blood pressure when other medicines have failed to bring it down enough.
Calcium Channel Blockers should be considered as initial medicine (usually in combination with other drugs) for people who have high blood pressure plus angina and/or a high risk of stroke. Calcium Channel Blockers should not be taken by people with heart failure.
This report compares the effectiveness, safety, and cost of eight Calcium Channel Blockers. We have chosen the following four as Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs based on the weight of scientific evidence, dosing convenience, and cost in treating the following conditions:
For high blood pressure – Diltiazem and Diltiazem , Felodipine, Nifedipine, Verapamil
For angina – Nifedipine
For heart rhythm abnormalities – Diltiazem and Diltiazem, Verapamil
All these high blood pressure medicines are available as low-cost or moderately priced generic drugs. All are as effective as other Calcium Channel Blockers.
Tags: high blood pressure medicine, calcium channel blockers,
high blood pressure drugs, diltiazem, felodipine,
nifedipine, verapamil, generic drugs