Systematic review with meta-analysis: the association between the use of calcium channel blockers and gastrointestinal bleeding

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anti-inflammatory-agents-non-steroidal #anti-ulcer-agents #anticoagulants #calcium-channel-blockers #gastrointestinal-hemorrhage

Systematic review with meta-analysis: the association between the use of calcium channel blockers and gastrointestinal bleeding

He et al., 2015 | Aliment Pharmacol Ther | Meta Analysis

Citation

He Y, Chan E W, ... Wong I C K. Systematic review with meta-analysis: the association between the use of calcium channel blockers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015-Jun;41(12):1246-55. doi:10.1111/apt.13211

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Due to their potential anti-platelet effect, it is suggested that calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are associated with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). However, results from previous studies are conflicting. AIM: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies to clarify the association between CCBs and GIB. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library and Trial Register databases up to January 2015. Studies that evaluated exposure to CCBs reporting GIB outcomes were included in the meta-analysis. The inverse variance method with random effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates. RESULTS: Seventeen studies (four RCTs, eleven case-control and two cohort studies) were included in the meta-analysis. The summary risk ratio (RR) for GIB was 1.17 (95% CI 1.01-1.36) for CCB users vs. non-users. Subgroup analysis showed that CCB use was associated with a moderately higher risk of lower GIB (RR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.17-2.84) but not upper GIB. However, data from four RCTs did not support association between CCBs and GIB (RR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.82-1.05). Subgroup analyses further showed that the increased risk of GIB among CCB users was only observed in studies that failed to adjust for prior history of GIB (RR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.34-2.08) or use of anti-ulcer drugs (RR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.19-1.65). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis showed a marginal association between calcium channel blocker use and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. This association is of dubious clinical significance, as the effects of different comparators or adjustment for confounding factors render this association nonsignificant.

Key Findings

Seventeen studies (four RCTs, eleven case-control and two cohort studies) were included in the meta-analysis. The summary risk ratio (RR) for GIB was 1.17 (95% CI 1.01-1.36) for CCB users vs. non-users. Subgroup analysis showed that CCB use was associated with a moderately higher risk of lower GIB (RR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.17-2.84) but not upper GIB. However, data from four RCTs did not support association between CCBs and GIB (RR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.82-1.05). Subgroup analyses further showed that the i

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents
  • Anticoagulants
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
  • Humans
  • Odds Ratio

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: calcium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09