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The Clinical Use of Calcium Channel Antagonist Drugs

Jared Powell

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Calcium channel antagonists (CCBs) are a class of drugs that block the influx of calcium ions into cells. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, including hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. CCBs are classified into two main groups: dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines. Dihydropyridines are more commonly used to treat hypertension, while non-dihydropyridines are more commonly used to treat angina and arrhythmias.

Mechanism of action

CCBs work by blocking the L-type calcium channel, which is a voltage-gated calcium channel that is found in the heart, blood vessels, and other tissues. By blocking this channel, CCBs reduce the influx of calcium ions into cells, which in turn leads to a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility.

Clinical Use of Calcium Channel Antagonist Drugs

by Lionel H. Opie

5 out of 5

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Clinical use

CCBs are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

* Hypertension * Angina * Arrhythmias * Migraine * Raynaud's disease * Cluster headache

Hypertension

CCBs are one of the most commonly used classes of drugs to treat hypertension. They are effective in lowering blood pressure in both systolic and diastolic hypertension. CCBs are generally well-tolerated and have a low risk of side effects.

Angina

CCBs are also effective in treating angina. They work by reducing the heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn reduces the workload on the heart and decreases the demand for oxygen. CCBs are generally well-tolerated and have a low risk of side effects.

Arrhythmias

CCBs can be used to treat a variety of arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. CCBs work by slowing the heart rate and reducing the conduction of electrical impulses through the heart. CCBs are generally well-tolerated and have a low risk of side effects.

Migraine

CCBs are sometimes used to treat migraine. They work by reducing the blood flow to the brain, which in turn can reduce the pain and other symptoms of migraine. CCBs are generally well-tolerated and have a low risk of side effects.

Raynaud's disease

CCBs are sometimes used to treat Raynaud's disease. They work by increasing the blood flow to the fingers and toes, which in turn can reduce the symptoms of Raynaud's disease. CCBs are generally well-tolerated and have a low risk of side effects.

Cluster headache

CCBs are sometimes used to treat cluster headache. They work by reducing the pain and other symptoms of cluster headache. CCBs are generally well-tolerated and have a low risk of side effects.

Side effects

The most common side effects of CCBs include:

* Flushing * Headache * Dizziness * Nausea * Constipation * Diarrhea

Less common side effects include:

* Swelling of the ankles and feet * Fatigue * Rash * Itching * Hives

Rare side effects include:

* Hypotension * Bradycardia * Heart block * Arrhythmias

Drug interactions

CCBs can interact with a variety of other drugs, including:

* Anticoagulants * Antiplatelet drugs * Antihypertensive drugs * Antiarrhythmic drugs * Calcium supplements

It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before starting treatment with a CCB.

CCBs are a safe and effective class of drugs that are used to treat a variety of conditions. They are generally well-tolerated and have a low risk of side effects. CCBs are an important part of the armamentarium of drugs that are used to treat cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Use of Calcium Channel Antagonist Drugs

by Lionel H. Opie

5 out of 5