title: Promising uses of calcium-channel blocking agents.
abstract: It is not surprising that calcium-channel blocking agents, which have numerous effects on various physiologic systems, have been employed for several "unapproved" uses. This manuscript reviews reports that have appeared within the last two years describing unapproved cardiovascular and noncardiovascular uses of the three available calcium-channel blocking agents. The cardiovascular uses discussed include hypertensive emergencies, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, aortic insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon, migraine headaches, antiplatelet effects and cardiac surgery. Areas of noncardiovascular use include muscular dystrophy, achalasia, esophageal spasm, dysmenorrhea, preterm labor, asthma, hyperuricemia, mania and depression and endocrinologic and oncologic conditions. While some of the data appear promising, other reports are conflicting and contradictory. Furthermore, because much of the information comes from poorly controlled trials or anecdotal reports, even the more promising uses must be studied further and compared with conventional therapy.
mesh_terms: D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000187:drug effects; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000188:drug therapy; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D009136:Muscular Dystrophies / Q000188:drug therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D009543:Nifedipine