Rapid Rx Quiz: Calcium-Channel Blockers
How much do you know about CCBs? Test yourself with this short quiz.
Off-label uses for CCBs include Raynaud phenomenon, migraines, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. CCBs do not treat depression; in fact, their use has been associated with depression. Verapamil might reduce diastolic dysfunction, but this is not a mainstream use. The most common CCBs are relatively weight neutral.
Learn more about Raynaud phenomenon.
Including lightheadedness, specific adverse and serious adverse events from CCB use are bradycardia, constipation, headaches, flushing, worsening cardiac output, and peripheral edema, possibly from fluid redistributing from the intravascular space.
Learn more about dizziness and vertigo.
A recent study found that amlodipine was involved in the majority of overdose cases, accounting for 62% of all CCB overdoses. This far surpasses other agents such as lercanidipine (12%), diltiazem (11%), verapamil (10%), and felodipine (5%). The lower incidence of overdoses involving lercanidipine, diltiazem, verapamil, and felodipine corresponds with their declining presence in current hypertension treatment guidelines.
Although amlodipine is involved in more overdose cases overall, the study underscores that the severity of overdose varies significantly by CCB class. Nondihydropyridines, such as diltiazem and verapamil, were associated with markedly higher rates of life-threatening complications, including dysrhythmias (33-35% of cases) and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (52% and 30%, respectively). In contrast, amlodipine showed much lower rates of dysrhythmias (1%) and ICU admissions (18%).
Learn more about CCB toxicity.
Many of the signs and symptoms of CCB toxicity are similar to normal CCB adverse events, making diagnosis challenging. A blood test can aid in diagnosis; abnormal findings that suggest CCB toxicity include acidosis, hyperglycemia, and hypokalemia. Neutrophilia has no established connection.
Learn more about CCB toxicity.
Combining diltiazem or verapamil with direct oral anticoagulants might increase risk for bleeding or clotting complications, though previous research has shown mixed results.
A recent study found no evidence of increased risk when direct oral anticoagulants were used alongside diltiazem or verapamil. However, patients who began direct oral anticoagulant therapy while already taking diltiazem had higher rates of overall mortality and cardiovascular-related death within 30 days, compared with those taking anticoagulants alone.
Learn more about diltiazem.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Caffeine craze warning after pouches gain in popularity with teens
While the use of caffeine pouches among teenagers remains relatively rare, experts and educators are concerned that may be about to change. Marketing aimed at teenagers of such products is spreading on social media. A school resource officer for the Boise County Sheriff's Office in Idaho, David Gomez, began noticing the use of caffeine pouches last spring, according to NBC News. The pouches can contain more than 200 milligrams of caffeine, and students have been using them along with nicotine pouches such as Zyn. Gomez noted that students would use the pouches as a disguise for nicotine pouches or they'll use both. 'They'll use the Zyn pouches that they put in their lip, and then they'll take a caffeine pouch,' said Gomez. 'They don't care what it is they're putting in their lip.' Richard Mumby is a marketing executive who was part of the launch of the e-cigarette Juul, which has been accused of initiating a wave of teen vaping. He's now back with a caffeine pouch startup known as Wip. A growing market is now trying to sell Americans on pouches as an alternative to caffeinated beverages. Mumby told NBC News that caffeine is part of 'the fabric of many Americans' everyday lives.' But he said there's room to improve. Wip and other companies are marketing caffeine pouches as a portable and affordable alternative to caffeinated drinks. It's a mix between nicotine pouches and energy drinks, placed between the lip and the gums to deliver the caffeine. Pouches, most of which do not contain nicotine, tend to last between 20 minutes and an hour, but their effect can go on for longer. Wip's flavors include mint, strawberry kiwi, and sour cherry, and each comes with 100 or 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is the same as about two cups of coffee. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, that's half the amount of caffeine an adult can safely consume in an entire day. 'We take responsible caffeine consumption and responsible marketing of our product seriously,' a spokesperson for Wip told NBC News. 'While there are no legal age restrictions on caffeine products, we have adopted marketing guidelines that exceed the age-related standards set by the American Beverage Association for most common energy drinks. Wip is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18, and our guidelines ensure the product is marketed responsibly.' Exercise and nutrition sciences professor at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, Rob van Dam, studies caffeine. He shared concerns about the potency of some of the pouches being sold. 'It may be a bit different than coffee,' he told NBC News. 'It may hit faster, and you may overdose, in a way, more quickly.' Another worry is the possible popularity among teens, as nicotine pouches and energy drinks are already widespread. Zyn maker Philip Morris has previously told NBC News that 'Zyn's marketing is directed toward legal age nicotine users who are 21+.' The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that teens don't consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day. The chair of the AAP's Committee on Nutrition, Dr. Mark Corkins, told NBC News that it would be better if teens avoided caffeine altogether. 'Caffeine, in general, is an area we are very concerned about,' he said. 'Pouches are just another delivery form.'
Medscape
15 minutes ago
- Medscape
Weighted Vests: Are They Effective for Weight Loss?
With the ongoing obesity epidemic, researchers are constantly looking for strategies that optimize weight loss while minimizing associated side effects. One strategy currently gaining interest is the use of weighted vests— form-fitting garments into which weights are sewn or carried in pockets, enabling the wearer to add or remove them as needed. In theory, this offers a nonpharmacologic way to induce weight loss without the side effects of medications or weight-loss surgery, but with potential bone-sparing effects. The latter is important because even modest weight loss can reduce bone density and strength, increasing the risk for fracture. Weight loss — particularly when induced by caloric restriction — is associated with bone loss, especially at the hip. This is a consequence of loss of muscle mass and an unloading of bones from the decrease in body weight. Even modest diet-induced weight loss results in small but significant reductions in hip bone mineral density (BMD), with less consistent changes at the spine or whole body. These skeletal losses may increase fracture risk, particularly in older adults, and are more pronounced when weight loss occurs in the absence of exercise. Resistance training or combined aerobic-resistance exercise mitigate but do not fully prevent this bone loss. How Do Weighted Vests Help? Weighted vests can be used to preserve muscle mass during periods of caloric restriction. This is achieved by increasing gravitational loading and placing mechanical stress on weight-bearing tissues. Local fat mass is theoretically reduced by the work required to wear the weighted vest. Preservation of muscle mass has the dual benefit of preserving bone mass and maintaining resting metabolic rate (RMR). This is important because weight loss typically results in a lower RMR, which makes subsequent weight loss more difficult. Although using weighted vests does not lead to the same degree of weight loss reported with GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide, or GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor agonists such as tirzepatide, the data demonstrate benefits of this strategy. For example, 5 weeks of high-load vest use (11% of body weight worn 8 hours per day) vs a low-load vest (1% of body weight) reduced fat mass and waist circumference with no significant change in overall body weight. Loss of fat mass and a reduction in waist circumference are not inconsequential outcomes. Fat distribution (particularly an excess of visceral fat with an increased waist circumference) is a major driver of many metabolic morbidities associated with obesity. In fact, newer definitions of preclinical and clinical obesity emphasize body fat distribution and waist circumference, rather than absolute body weight. The impact of weighted vest use on skeletal health is inconclusive at this time. Snow and colleagues reported preservation of hip BMD over a 5-year period in older, postmenopausal women when weighted vest use was combined with jumping exercises. However, a randomized controlled study from Wake Forest University (INVEST in Obesity) involving 150 older adults with obesity did not find a bone-protective effect of weighted vest use or resistance training following intentional weight loss. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact on BMD of varying durations of vest use and varying weights of the vest. In conclusion, studies thus far have not demonstrated a significant impact of weighted vests for total weight reduction, although reductions in local fat mass and waist circumference may confer some metabolic benefit. These vests may provide mechanical stimuli that support musculoskeletal integrity; however, further research is necessary to prove this point and data available thus far are conflicting.
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
125 Eye-Catching Victorian Names for Your Baby Boy or Girl—and What They Mean
125 Eye-Catching Victorian Names for Your Baby Boy or Girl—and What They Mean originally appeared on Parade. Queen Victoria ruled over the United Kingdom for the majority of the 19th century and was a mother to nine children. So she knew a thing or two about choosing a proper name for a new baby. Victorian made their way to the United States in the late 19th century and are now used all over the world, with some examples like Emma, Elizabeth, James and John still considered to be strong, classic choices. Choosing a Victorian era name for your newborn may not seem like the trendiest option, but it does fit into the grandma or grandpa chic trend that's prevalent these days. If you've ever been introduced to a toddler with a name like Mabel or Clyde, it may have seemed just a tad comical, but those adorable little old man names will grow with your baby beautifully. The same can be said for any Victorian name we've included in this list! So, whether you want an elegant and classy name or you just want something old-fashioned, Victorian boy and girl names are a great choice. If you're looking for a style of name to choose that's a bit on the older side, our list of 125 beautiful Victorian names will surely have one you'll Best Victorian Names and What They Mean Ambrose — With Latin roots, this name means "immortal" or "divine." Helena — The Latin form of the Greek Helen, Helena means "torch" or "shining light." George — Of Greek origins, this name means "farmer" or "earth worker." Georgia — This female version of George also means "farmer." Celia — This Latin name means "heavenly." Grace — Of Latin origin, this name means "favor" or "goodwill." Henry — Meaning "estate ruler," there's no question why this German name was so popular during the Victorian era. Harry — A diminutive of Henry, this name also means "estate ruler." August — Meaning "great" or "magnificent," this German name, stemming from the Latin Augustus, is a great gender neutral name. Louis — Of German and French origins, Louis means "renowned warrior." Jack — A diminutive of the English John, Jack means "God is gracious." Charlie — A diminutive of Charles, with French and German roots, Charlie means "free man." Louise — The feminine form of Louis, this French name also means "renowned warrior." Jesse — This Hebrew name means "God exists." Diana — A Latin name that means "divine." Irene — Of Greek origins, Irene means "peace." Bertram — A German name meaning "bright raven" that isn't quite as popular anymore, but a good choice nonetheless. Ivan — A Russian variation of John, Ivan means "God is gracious." Miriam — Of Hebrew and Egyptian origins, Miriam can mean "bitter," "drop of the sea" or "wished-for child." Bartholomew — Of Aramaic origin, this name means "son of Talmai." Talmai is a Hebrew name meaning "rich in land." Josiah — A Hebrew name meaning "God supports" or "God heals." Related: Victorian Girl Names Charlotte — This French female version of Charles means "free man." Alice — Meaning "noble," this name has German roots. Elsie — A diminutive of Elizabeth and the Scottish Elspeth, this name means "pledged to God." Daisy — Meaning either "day's eye" or "daisy flower." Ada — From Turkish and German origins, this name means "noble," "nobility" or "island." Phoebe — Meaning "radiant, shining one," this Greek name became much more popular after the beloved 90s TV show Friends aired. Caroline — A French name and another feminine form of Charles, Caroline means "free man." Emily — The female variation of the Latin Emil, Emily means "rival." Hannah — This Hebrew name means "grace." Abigail — Another Hebrew name that means "my father is joyful." Julia — This Latin name means "youthful." Lillian — From the Latin Lily, this name means either "lily flower" or "pledged to God." Eleanor — Stemming from the French name Alienor, this pretty girl's name means "bright, shining one" or "light." Cordelia — Of Latin and Celtic origins, this name means either "heart" or "daughter of the sea." Ella — With multiple origins, Ella has multiple meanings. In English, it means "beautiful fairy." In Hebrew, it can mean either "goddess" or "oak tree," and in German it means "other" or "all." Evelyn — This English name stems from both French and German and means "desired" or "water, island." Sarah — Of Hebrew origins, Sarah means "princess." Esther — A Persian name that means "star." Flora — This Latin name means "flower." Lucy — This English variation of the Latin Lucia means "light." Amelia — Of German origin, Amelia means "hardworking." Related: Victorian Boy Names Oscar — With English and Irish origins, Oscar can mean "god spear" or "deer lover." Miles — Stemming from Latin and Old German, Milo means "soldier" or "merciful." Felix — Of Latin origin, this name means "happy" or "fortunate." Wesley — Meaning "western meadow," Wesley has English origins. Simon — With both Hebrew and Greek origins, this name means either "he has heard" or "flat-nosed." Isaac — A Hebrew name that means "laughter." Harvey — This French name means "battle worthy." Leon — A Greek variation of the name Leo, this name means "lion." Silas — With multiple origins like Greek, Latin and Aramaic, this strong name means either "of the forest" or "prayed for." Nicholas — This Greek name means "victory of the people." Otto — A German name meaning "wealthy." Anthony — With Latin roots, this name means "priceless one." Percy — Stemming from both French and English origins, Percy means "one who pierces the valley." Spencer — Of English origins, this name means "house steward" or "dispenser of provisions." Arthur — Of Celtic origin, Arthur means "bear." Samuel — This Hebrew name means "told by God." Oliver — Stemming from German and Latin roots, Oliver means "ancestor's relic," "elf army" or "olive tree." Thomas — An Aramaic name that means "twin." Everett — A diminutive of the German Eberhard, this name means "brave as a wild boar." Theodore — Of Greek origin, this name means "gift of God." Theo is a popular nickname for Theodore. Related: Victorian Era Names Florence — With Latin origins, Florence means "flourishing" or "prosperous." Cecelia — A feminine form of the Latin Cecil, this name means "blind." Olive — An English and Latin name that means "olive tree." Eric — An Old Norse name that means "eternal ruler." Frances — This Latin name means "from France" or "free man." Clara — This Latin name means "bright" or "clear." Lewis — The English variation of Louis, this name means "renowned warrior." Hattie — An English diminutive of Harriet, this name means "estate ruler." Adelaide — From the German Adelheidis, this name means "noble" or "nobility." Beatrice — Meaning "she who brings happiness" or "blessed," this name has Latin roots. Common nicknames include Bea or Bee. Frederick — This German name means "peaceful ruler." Catherine — Of Greek origins, this name means "pure." Stella — With Latin roots, this name means "star." Violet — Also with Latin origins, this name means "purple." Isaiah — This Hebrew name means "salvation of the Lord." Ernest — A German name that means "serious" or "resolute." Emmeline — Of German origins, this name means "hard working" or "industrious," and its Latin origins mean "rival." Warren — Derived from French, Warren means "animal enclosure" or "park keeper." It is interpreted to mean "to protect" or "to guard." Ralph — This English from German name means "wolf counsel." Malcolm — Of Scottish descent, Malcolm means "devotee of St. Columba." Emrys — A Welsh variation of Ambrose, this name means "immortal." Related: Elegant Victorian Names William — Of German origin, William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior." Sophia — A Greek name meaning "wisdom." Rose — Derived from the Latin Rosa, this name means "rose" or "a flower." Etta — While this is a diminutive of any name ending in -etta, as a standalone name, it means "home ruler" or "estate ruler." Julian — With Latin and Greek roots, this name means either "youthful" or "downy-bearded." Sadie — A diminutive of Sarah, Sadie means "princess." Margaret — A Greek name that means "pearl." Lily — Associated with purity and innocence, this name comes from the flower. Jane — Meaning "God is gracious," Jane is of English origins. Mabel — From the Latin Amabel, this name means "loveable." Hugh — Of English and German descent, Hugh means "mind" or "intellect." Ruth — A Hebrew name meaning "compassionate friend." Isabel — A Spanish variation of Elizabeth, this name means "pledged to God." Amos — A Hebrew name meaning "carried by God." Ida — This German name means "industrious one." Philip — This Greek name means "lover of horses." Effie — An English diminutive of the Greek Euphemia, this name means "pleasant speech." Ezekiel — This Hebrew name means "God strengthens." Lottie — A diminutive of Charlotte, this name also means "free man." Elizabeth — Of Hebrew origins, this name means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath." Sylvia — This Latin name means "from the forest." Related: Old Victorian Names Cora — This Greek name means "maiden." Ellis — From the Welsh name Elisedd, Ellis means "benevolent." Matilda — Meaning "battle-mighty," Matilda is of German origins. Harriet — Stemming from the French Henriette, and largely thought of as the female version of Henry, this name means "estate ruler." Ira — Of both Hebrew and Sanskrit origins, Ira can mean "watchful one" or "earth." Calvin — A Latin name meaning "bald" or "hairless." Mary — With origins in Hebrew, Mary can mean "bitter," "sea" or "beloved." It is also associated with the Latin "stella maris," which means "star of the sea." Ezra — This Hebrew name means "help" or "helper." Eliza — Also of Hebrew origin, this name means "pledged to God." Lydia — This Greek name means "woman from Lydia" or "beautiful one." Alma — Of Latin origins, this name means "nurturing soul." Vincent — Vincent is a Latin name that means "conquering." Josephine — With popular nicknames like Josie and Jo or even Fifi, this Hebrew name means "God will increase" or "God will add." Archie — A diminutive of Archibald, this name means "truly brave." Walter — Of German origins, Walter means "army ruler." Sybil — This Greek name means "prophetess." Adeline — Of French origins and a diminutive of Adele, this name means "noble" or "nobility." Edith — With English origins, Edith means "prosperous in war." Harrison — An English name meaning "son of Harry." Reuben — This Hebrew name means "behold, a son." Llewellyn — From the Welsh name Llywelyn, this name means "leader" or "like a lion." Up Next: 125 Eye-Catching Victorian Names for Your Baby Boy or Girl—and What They Mean first appeared on Parade on Aug 1, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
