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Article: Integrating B vitamins with calcium channel blockers.(Ask the PHARMACIST)
- Article from:
- Life Extension
- Article date:
- July 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 LE Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Q: I take a blood pressure medication called nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker. I've heard that it can cause B-vitamin deficiency and swelling of the gums. Is this true?
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A: I recommend that all patients who take calcium channel blockers like nifedipine also supplement with folic acid and vitamin B complex. There are many reasons to supplement with B vitamins while taking a calcium channel blocker.
Let's start with what nifedipine is and what it does. Nifedipine (Procardia[R]) is a calcium channel blocker, a specific class of drugs used to lower blood pressure. These drugs work by regulating the flow of calcium ions in ...