DTB select: Prescribing cascade: calcium-channel blockers and diuretics

Summary and context is provided on a retrospective Canadian cohort study (n=41,086) which found older people recently prescribed a calcium-channel blocker (CCB) were more likely to be treated with a diuretic than those on other antihypertensive drugs.

SPS commentary:

Authors’ of the evidence summary state that as peripheral oedema associated with CCBs is not thought to be caused by fluid overload, diuretic treatment may be unnecessary and increase the risk of adverse events.

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin