What is a common side effect associated with the use of calcium channel blockers?

Calcium channel blockers are commonly used to manage conditions such as hypertension and angina by inhibiting the entry of calcium into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and reduced myocardial oxygen demand. A well-known side effect associated with these medications is constipation. This occurs because calcium channel blockers can relax the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, which can slow down intestinal motility and lead to constipation.

While other side effects such as dry mouth, insomnia, and joint pain may occur with various medications or conditions, they are not typically associated with calcium channel blockers to the same extent as constipation. Hence, recognizing constipation as a significant side effect helps in anticipating and managing patient symptoms during treatment with these agents.