Cardiovascular medications - Calcium Channel Blockers

Verapamil [Calan, Covera-HS, Verelan] non-dihydropyridine

main action: slows HR and AV conduction; reduces contractility and BP. Hypertension, angina, selected dysrhythmias
key nursing considerations: monitor BP, HR, and rhythm. Constipation, bradycardia, AV block. Digoxin and beta blockers can increase adverse cardiac effects

Diltiazem - non-dihydropyridine

main action: acts on heart and vessels; hypertension, angina, and rate control
key nursing considerations: monitor BP,HR, and rhythm; bradycardia/AV block risk with other AV-node-suppressing drugs

Nifedipine [Procardia] dihydropyridine

main action: arteriolar dilation reduces after load and BP. Hypertension, angina; off-label suppression of preterm labor
key nursing considerations: flushing, headache, dizziness, peripheral edema, and possible reflex tachycardia

Amlodipine - dihydropyridine

main action: primarily vascular action; reduces peripheral resistance and BP
key nursing considerations: monitor BP and peripheral edema; less direct cardiac suppression than non-dihydropyridines

Clevidipine - IV dihydropyridine

main action: rapid BP control; included among hypertensive-emergency drugs
key nursing considerations: closely monitor BP during infusion