Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) are used by millions of Americans to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm abnormalities.

The cost for CCBs varies from about $22 to more than $120 per month. This report presents information that will help you: (a) determine when you might need a CCB; (b) choose the right CCB and dose; and (c) save $1,000 to $1,700 a year if you are currently taking or have been prescribed an expensive brand-name CCB.

CCBs are effective medicines that lower blood pressure and help prevent and treat the symptoms of angina. Two CCBs are effective in controlling certain heart rhythm problems.

CCBs are typically not prescribed as initial or first-step treatment in people with high blood pressure who have no other form of heart disease. Instead, CCBs are often used as a second or third drug to help lower blood pressure when other medicines have failed to bring it down enough.

CCBs should be considered as initial medicine (usually in combination with other drugs) for people who have high blood pressure plus angina and/or a high risk of stroke. CCBs should not be taken by people with heart failure (often called congestive heart failure).   This report compares the effectiveness, safety, and cost of eight CCBs. We have chosen the following four as Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs based on the weight of scientific evidence, dosing convenience, and cost in treating the following conditions:

• For high blood pressure – Diltiazem SR and Diltiazem CR, Felodipine SR, Nifedipine SR, Verapamil SR
• For angina – Nifedipine SR
• For heart rhythm abnormalities – Diltiazem SR and Diltiazem CR, Verapamil SR

All these medicines are available as low-cost or moderately priced generic drugs. All are as effective as other CCBs. (SR stands for "sustained release" and CR stands for "continuous release.")