Maybe a silly question about calcium channel blockers

[kfz45]

I am not on one but my question is: if you are taking calcium channel blockers, is it contraindicated to take a daily calcium supplement? Don't know a thing about this class of drugs so forgive my ignorance please!

[zuzu8]

Kfz,

It's possible that CCBs taken with calcium supplements may cause some risk when taken together in that calcium supps. may interfere with the BP med, decreasing its efficacy. The doctor should be made aware that a supplement is being taken and as long as the patient is being monitored and doing well, there may be no problem continuing with them.

It's always best to tell the physician about any and all over-the-counter items one may be taking when prescribed blood pressure medication.

zuzu xx

[bharkins]

I asked that very question of my doctor since I take Norvasc and he said no.

[Machaon]

Originally Posted by kfz45

I am not on one but my question is: if you are taking calcium channel blockers, is it contraindicated to take a daily calcium supplement? Don't know a thing about this class of drugs so forgive my ignorance please!

I take a calcium channel blocker (CCB) three times a day. I cannot eat or drink anything containing calcium within two hours before or after taking my CCB, otherwise my heart goes into a very hard pounding which can last for days. I cannot take a calcium supplement at all, or the same thing happens.

It took me a long time to figure out what was happening to me, and I no longer get the hard pounding.

I am also on digoxin, so my problems between my CCB and my consuming calcium could be influenced by being also on digoxin. I also cannot consume any calcium product within two hours of my digoxin, and I cannot take my digoxin pill within two hours of my CCB.

If that sounds confusing, you can imagine why it took me so long to figure out what was causing my heart to jump out of my chest, and stop it from happening.

[jtu91952]

Beer, i take verapamil, hctz, humalog, baby asprin, lantus and artichoke extract. How would you suggest i take these? Usually i take all these at the same time with fat free milk. It sounds as though you're saying to space out the time. Any suggestios would be helpful and appreciated.