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Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers inhibit the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac cells, causing vasodilation and reduced cardiac contractility.
Calcium channel blockers inhibit the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac cells, causing vasodilation and reduced cardiac contractility. Used for Hypertension, Angina pectoris, Atrial fibrillation (rate control).
At a glance
| Generic name | Calcium Channel Blockers |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Amlodipine, Amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, nitrendipine, verapamil, Verapamil |
| Sponsor | Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre |
| Drug class | Calcium channel blocker |
| Target | L-type voltage-gated calcium channel |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
These drugs block L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in the cell membrane, preventing calcium entry that normally triggers muscle contraction. By reducing intracellular calcium, they relax vascular smooth muscle (lowering blood pressure) and slow cardiac conduction (reducing heart rate and contractility). Different subclasses (dihydropyridines vs. non-dihydropyridines) have varying selectivity for vascular versus cardiac tissue.
Approved indications
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Atrial fibrillation (rate control)
- Coronary artery disease
Common side effects
- Peripheral edema
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Constipation
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
Key clinical trials
- Optimal Blood Pressure for the prevenTIon of Major vAscuLar Events in Patients With DIABETES Mellitus (OPTIMAL-DIABETES) (NA)
- Comparison of Two Intravenous Drug Combinations for Ambulatory Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (PHASE1)
- The GUARDIAN Pilot Trial (NA)
- De-Adoption of Beta-Blockers in Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease (PHASE4)
- Focusing on the Menopausal Transition to Improve Mid-Life Women's Health (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- PHASE III, RANDOMIZED, ACTIVE-COMPARATOR CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF NIFEDIPINE 30MG EXTENDED-RELEASE IN ADULT PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH MILD OR MODERATE HYPERTENSION IN COLOMBIA. (PHASE3)
- Efficacy of Early Rhythm Control Therapy in Patients With Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation (NA)
- Catheter Ablation Versus Anti-arrhythmic Drugs for Premature Ventricular Complexes (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |