Calcium Channel Blockers

Flashcards about calcium channel blockers

What conditions are calcium channel antagonists used to treat?

High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and chronic stable angina.

What are the two main categories of calcium channel blockers?

Non dehydropyridines and dehydropyridines.

Give examples of non dehydropyridines.

Verapamil and diltiazem.

How do dehydropyridines work?

They block calcium channels in smooth vascular muscle, leading to vasodilation and lowered blood pressure.

Give examples of dehydropyridines.

Amlodipine, felodipine, nisoldipine, and nicardipine.

What do calcium channel blockers bind to?

L type voltage gated calcium channels.

What enzyme metabolizes many medications, including calcium channel blockers?

CYP3A4.

What are some common adverse effects of dehydropyridines?

Lightheadedness, flushing, headaches, and peripheral edema.

What are some adverse effects of non dehydropyridines?

Constipation, orthostatic hypertension, elevated liver enzymes, and fatigue.

What are the contraindications for nondihydropyridines?

Heart failure with reduced EF, second or third degree heart blocks, and low systolic blood pressure.

What monitoring should be performed on patients taking diltiazem or verapamil?

Liver function tests, EKG monitoring, and blood pressure monitoring.