Benidipine is a calcium channel blocker that may be recommended for treating high blood pressure or angina. The medication may be available by prescription only in some regions of the world to make sure patients use it appropriately. It can potentially interact with other medical conditions and drugs, so patients should be careful to review their medical history before starting benidipine therapy. This can provide an opportunity to identify potential interactions that might be hazardous to the patient’s health or could interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
In the body, benidipine interacts with the calcium channels used to convey signals that regulate muscle contractions. It limits contractions, making the heart beat less forcefully, which can reduce strain on the heart in addition to lowering blood pressure. This also relaxes the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure further. Patients can take the medication to reduce their blood pressure and hold it stable at a safe level if they do not respond to more conservative treatments intended to promote cardiovascular health.
For people with hypertension, benidipine is one among a number of options in several classes of drugs that can be used to regulate blood pressure. It can also be useful in the treatment of angina, where patients experience sharp pains because their hearts don’t get enough blood. Forcing the heart to relax and lowering blood pressure can keep the blood flowing, preventing episodes of chest pain.
Patients on this medication can experience side effects like dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and heart palpitations. Some benidipine side effects are normal, but if they are extremely intense or grow worse, the patient should seek medical attention. Symptoms like cold sweat, fainting, and confusion are serious, and may indicate a bad drug reaction. Allergic responses can also occur, in which case the patient may develop a painful rash after taking the medication.
Other medications used to regulate heart rate and blood pressure can interact with benidipine. The drug needs to be used with care in combination with other medications that lower blood pressure, because the patient could experience dangerous hypotension. Patients should also discuss any underlying medical conditions like kidney problems, which could become an issue while taking benidipine. For the drug to be most effective with the least side effects, it is advisable to take it with food. Small snacks like yogurt or applesauce can be sufficient to meet this requirement if a patient is in a hurry when it’s time to take a dose.