Calcium Channel Blocker

Calcium channel blockers are a group of medications that disrupt the movement of calcium (Ca2+) through calcium channels. Calcium channel blockers are used to treat hypertension. CCBs are particularly effective against large vessel stiffness, one of the common causes of elevated systolic blood pressure in elderly patients. Calcium channel blockers are also frequently used to alter heart rate (especially from atrial fibrillation), to prevent peripheral and cerebral vasospasm, and to reduce chest pain caused by angina pectoris

Classification:

  1. Dihydropyridine CCB (DHP-CCB): Amlodipine (Norvasc), Felodipine (Plendil), Nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat)
  2. Non-dihydropyridine CCB (NDHP-CCB): Verapamil, Diltiazem, Flunarizine (BBB crossing)
Synonyms
Calcium Channel Antagonist, Calcium Channel Antagonists, Calcium Blockers, CCB, CCBs