Which adverse effect is caused by calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine due to vasodilation?

Which adverse effect is caused by calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine due to vasodilation?

• A. Edema from vasodilation
• B. Hypertension
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Constipation

Answer: (A)

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers like nifedipine dilate peripheral arteries, reducing vascular resistance. That arteriolar dilation raises capillary hydrostatic pressure, which pushes fluid from the vessels into the interstitial tissue. The result is edema, especially in dependent areas like the ankles. This is a common and classic adverse effect of these drugs. Hypertension isn’t an adverse effect here; bradycardia is more typical with non-dihydropyridine agents (like verapamil or diltiazem), and constipation is more associated with those same non-dihydropyridines.

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers like nifedipine dilate peripheral arteries, reducing vascular resistance. That arteriolar dilation raises capillary hydrostatic pressure, which pushes fluid from the vessels into the interstitial tissue. The result is edema, especially in dependent areas like the ankles. This is a common and classic adverse effect of these drugs.

Hypertension isn’t an adverse effect here; bradycardia is more typical with non-dihydropyridine agents (like verapamil or diltiazem), and constipation is more associated with those same non-dihydropyridines.