What is a common side effect after starting treatment with calcium channel blockers?

Calcium channel blockers are commonly used medications for managing hypertension and certain heart conditions. A well-documented side effect of these medications is constipation, which occurs due to their action on smooth muscle. Calcium channel blockers can reduce the contractility of smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased motility and subsequently causing constipation in some patients. This side effect is particularly noteworthy because it can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and may require additional management strategies.

While headaches can occur with the use of calcium channel blockers due to vasodilation effects, and nausea or frequent urination may be linked with varying medications, constipation remains a primary and distinct side effect associated with the use of these drugs, making it a key consideration for healthcare providers when beginning treatment.