10 Side Effects of Calcium Channel Blockers
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
Side Effect #10: Edema
Edema occurs when there is abnormal fluid accumulation in the interstitium. Edema usually manifests as swelling. Edema can be localized or generalized. In calcium channel blockers, peripheral edema is a common side effect and is believed to be due to arteriolar dilation, which leads to fluid extravasation and intracapillary hypertension.
A study concluded that the incidence of peripheral edema increases with the duration of calcium channel blocker therapy. Throughout the study, researchers observed that more than 5 percent of patients stopped using calcium channel blockers due to edema.
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