Publication at Third Faculty of Medicine |
2011
Abstract
The calcium channel blockers inhibit the influx of calcium ions into myocardial cells, conduction system and vascular smooth muscle. They are indicated for use in the treatment of systemic hypertension and their choice is not substantially Iimited.
Other indications are supraventricular tachycardia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (with verapamil and diltiazem used in both indications), and possibly stable angina pectoris. Verapamil and diltiazem can only be used in patients without left ventricular dysfunction.
The controlled-release dosage forms are the only ones to be considered, as short-acting agents such as short-release nifedipine are no more used in any indication