Calcium channel blockers were introduced in the sixties. They are
mainly used in coronary heart disease, as antiarrhythmic agents and also in the
treatment of hypertension. The long-acting calcium channel blockers like
verapamil and diltiazem, due to their longer half-life time, have a somewhat
different therapeutic and safety profile from the short-acting agents discussed
above. Nifedipine and verapamil are listed in the WHO Model List of Essential
Drugs.
Biological Functions
calcium channel blockers
is a group of orally active drugs that have been approved
for use in the treatment of vasospastic and effort-
induced angina. It is block L-type
voltage-dependent calcium channels in vascular
smooth muscle and the heart, block platelet aggregation,
and are particularly effective in the prophylaxis of
coronary vasospasm or variant angina. In addition,
it is used in the chronic treatment of
secondary angina.A member of this group, verapamil
(Calan) and diltiazem (Cardiazem), also have
been approved for use in the therapy of certain
supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Other potential clinical uses of this compounds include
systemic and pulmonary hypertension and
Raynaud’s syndrome.
