Common side effect of calcium channel blockers includes which?

Prepare for the Rasmussen Pharmacology Exam 3. This quiz includes multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Review essential pharmacological concepts and get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Common side effect of calcium channel blockers includes which?

Explanation:
Calcium channel blockers most often cause peripheral edema because they preferentially dilate arterioles, increasing capillary hydrostatic pressure in the lower extremities. This pushes fluid out into the interstitial space, leading to ankle and foot swelling. The effect is dose-related and more common with dihydropyridine-type agents (for example, amlodipine, nifedipine). Other side effects like headaches or flushing can occur, but nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, or hyperglycemia are not characteristic or frequent features of these drugs. So the common and expected side effect is peripheral edema.

Calcium channel blockers most often cause peripheral edema because they preferentially dilate arterioles, increasing capillary hydrostatic pressure in the lower extremities. This pushes fluid out into the interstitial space, leading to ankle and foot swelling. The effect is dose-related and more common with dihydropyridine-type agents (for example, amlodipine, nifedipine). Other side effects like headaches or flushing can occur, but nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, or hyperglycemia are not characteristic or frequent features of these drugs. So the common and expected side effect is peripheral edema.

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