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calcium channel blocker
noun
: any of a class of drugs (such as verapamil) that prevent or slow the influx of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells and are used especially to treat some forms of angina pectoris and some cardiac arrhythmias
Examples of calcium channel blocker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cardiologists may also recommend drugs to restore a more normal heartbeat, including beta blockers or calcium channel blockers, which work by lowering the heart’s pumping rate and giving the cardiac muscles a bit of a biological break.
—Lori Oliwenstein, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024
The same beta blockers and calcium channel blockers used to treat arrhythmias can also be used to slow the heart enough to allow the left ventricle to fill to the best of its ability.
—Lori Oliwenstein, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024
Instead, they are used after ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers (CCBs).
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 18 July 2024
Common blood pressure medications, like calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers and diuretics, can have effects such as increasing the likelihood of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during extreme heat.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 21 June 2024
For example, people who take certain over-the-counter pain medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may experience an increase in blood pressure, which doctors may misdiagnose as a new ailment and prescribe calcium channel blockers as a treatment.
—Knvul Sheikh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024
Certain Medications Some blood pressure drugs, like calcium channel blockers, increase fluid retention.
—Amanda Gardner, Health, 28 Nov. 2023
Certain medicines, such as calcium channel blockers, help treat lesions during a chilblains flare.6
Frostbite is another cause of blackening fingertips due to cold weather.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 28 July 2023
Her chart showed she had been started on a calcium channel blocker, an oral medication that prevents the spasm.
—H Lee Kagan, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2012
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calcium channel blocker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1977, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of calcium channel blocker was
in 1977
Dictionary Entries Near calcium channel blocker
Cite this Entry
“Calcium channel blocker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calcium%20channel%20blocker. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Medical Definition
calcium channel blocker
noun
: any of a class of drugs (as verapamil) that prevent or slow the influx of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells especially of the heart and that are used especially to treat some forms of angina pectoris and some cardiac arrhythmias
called also calcium blocker
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