Anti-hypertensive ( Calcium Channel Blockers ) 

Drugs: 

1- Dihydropyridines: 

• Amlodipine
• Clevidipine
• Felodipine 
• Isradipine 
• Nicardipine
• Nifedipine
• Nisoldipine

2- Non-dihydropyridines: 

A) Benzothiazepines 

• Diltiazem

B) Diphenylalkylamines

• Verapamil

Mechanism of action: 

Calcium channel blockers work by inhibiting the receptor for calcium entry into the intracellular muscle of the heart and blood vessels, so when these receptors are inhibited, the contraction of these muscles is prevented, and blood pressure decreases (calcium is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum).

Pharmacological action ( Dilate occurs only to arterioles ): 

1- Dihydropyridines: It affects vascular smooth muscle cells more than it affects cardiac smooth muscle cells.

2- Benzothiazepines: It affects smooth muscle cells of both the heart and blood vessels, but has less negative effects on the heart compared to diphenylalkylamines.

3- diphenylalkylamines: It affects smooth muscle cells of both the heart and blood vessels.

The uses: 

Calcium channel blockers are used as a first-line treatment or in addition to other medications to treat hypertension. 

Calcium channel blockers are also used in patients who suffer from hypertensiveness, as well as angina, asthma, or diabetes.

Side effect: 

1- diphenylalkylamines:

• Constipation 
• Bradycardia atrioventricular block
• Gingival hyperplasia 

2- benzothiazepines:

• Constipation 
• Bradycardia atrioventricular block

3- Dihydropyridines:

• Fatigue 
• Flushing 
• Hypotension 
• Rebound tachycardia 
• Headache 
• Dizziness 
• Peripheral edema

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