<p class="description_0">Calcium channel blockers, or CCB's, are drugs used to treat high blood pressure, angina, migraine headaches and abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. CCB's work by preventing calcium from entering into the muscle cells of your heart and arteries, which leads to decreased blood pressure. Commonly prescribed CCB's include amlodipine, verapamil and nifedipine. CCB's can worsen acid reflux.</p>
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<h3 class="description_section">CCB's and Acid Reflux</h3>
<p class="description_1">Acid reflux or acid regurgitation occurs when acidic stomach contents flow backwards into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and acidic taste. CCB's can cause or worsen acid reflux by weakening the lower esophageal sphincter muscle or LES. The LES is located at the bottom of your esophagus and usually remains tightly closed when you are not eating or drinking. When the LES is weakened by CCB's, it opens spontaneously and allows stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus.</p>
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<h3 class="description_section">Acid Reflux Symptoms</h3>
<p class="description_2">When taking calcium channel blockers, be aware of symptoms of acid reflux so that you can seek early treatment. Symptoms include burning sensation in the chest, bad taste at the back of the mouth, bad breath and dry cough. Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms while taking CCB's. If your acid reflux symptoms become bothersome, your doctor may switch you to a different medication.</p>
<h3 class="description_section">Acid Reflux Prevention</h3>
<p class="description_3">You can reduce acid reflux while taking CCB's by adjusting your diet and lifestyle. Take CCB's with food and milk to prevent stomach irritation. Do not lie down immediately after eating or taking CCB's. Avoid foods that increase acid reflux such as caffeine, tomato-based products, fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate and spicy foods. Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches to prevent acid reflux while you are sleeping.</p>
<h3 class="description_section">Treatment</h3>
<p class="description_4">Your doctor may prescribe an acid-reducing drug to prevent acid reflux while you are taking CCB's. Acid-reducing prescription drugs include H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2 blockers. Antacids can also help relieve acid reflux, however, consult your doctor before you take over-the-counter antacids.</p> <hr/>