Calcium channel blockers are a class of medication used to treat high blood pressure.

Calcium channel blocker overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

The specific ingredients in each type of calcium channel blocker vary. However, the main ingredient is called a calcium channel antagonist. It helps decrease the heart's pumping strength, which relaxes your blood vessels.

• Amlodipine (Norvasc)
• Bepridil (Vascor)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor)
• Felodipine (Plendil)
• Isradipine (DynaCirc)
• Nicardipine (Cardene)
• Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
• Nimodipine (Nimotop)
• Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan)

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

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Calcium channel blocker overdose Symptoms

Review Date: 01/19/2011
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)