dihydropyridine

A class of calcium channel blockers Pharmacology: 1) inhibits L-type calcium channels 2) dilation of coronary arteries & arterioles 3) increased myocardial oxygen delivery 4) decreased systemic vascular resistance 5) increased cardiac output 6) more selective for vascular smooth muscle than non-dihydropyridine Ca⁺²-channel blockers 7) does not alter contractility or AV nodal conduction Adverse effects: 1) headache 2) flushing 3) dependent peripheral edema 4) orthostasis 5) tachycardia

Specific

amlodipine (Norvasc, Amlocard, Amvaz) clevidipine (Cleviprex) dihydropyridine Ca+2 channel blocker (CCB) felodipine (Plendil) isradipine (DynaCirc) lercanidipine (Zanidip) manidipine nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR) nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat) nilvadipine nimodipine (Nimotop, Numalize) nisoldipine (Sular) nitrendipine

References

Drug Information & Medication Formulary, Veterans Affairs, Central California Health Care System, 1st ed., Ravnan et al eds, 1998