title: Calcium blockers in smooth-muscle disorders. Current status.
abstract: Calcium-entry blockers have proven efficacy in a variety of cardiovascular disorders. The effects of these agents on ionic calcium fluxes and, thus, on smooth-muscle contraction suggest that several noncardiac conditions involving smooth-muscle dysfunction may be managed with calcium antagonists. Beneficial therapeutic results have been reported in various forms of hypertension and Raynaud's phenomenon. The results of preliminary studies in treating pulmonary hypertension, cerebral arterial spasm, migraine headache, esophageal motility disorders, and myometrial hypercontractile states are encouraging. Carefully designed, large-scale and long-term clinical trials are needed to establish the therapeutic value of calcium-entry blockers in these disorders.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D006224:Cricetinae; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000188:drug therapy; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D009130:Muscle, Smooth; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D013035:Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers