netFormulary

North East and North Cumbria
ICS Formulary

2 Cardiovascular system

02-06-02 Calcium-channel blockers

Amlodipine

First Choice

Preferred calcium channel blocker for treating hypertension.
- If a 10mg dose is not tolerated e.g. due to leg/ankle
  oedema, consider reducing dose before changing to an
  alternative such as lercanidipine.

Diltiazem

First Choice

Preferred calcium channel blocker for angina.
Zemtard® is the formulary brand of choice for starting new patients on long acting diltiazem.

Felodipine

Formulary

Nimodipine Injection

Formulary

Verapamil Injection

Formulary

Lercanidipine

Formulary

For use as a second line calcium channel blocker where amlodipine is not tolerated.

Nifedipine

Formulary

Once daily formualtions are preferred
20mg controlled release tablets (Adalat LA), 30mg & 60mg m/r capsules (Coracten XL)
5mg & 10mg capsules
10mg & 20mg retard tablets
20mg in 1ml (1mg/drop) nifedipine oral solution is also approved for use unlicensed.

Verapamil

Formulary

Nimodipine

Formulary

30mg tablets - treatment should be on the advice of the stroke team or a cardiologist.

Nicardipine 1mg in 1ml injection

Formulary

Approved as a second line agent for the treatment of aortic dissection and pre-eclampsia.

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