Critical assessment of calcium antagonists.
Calcium antagonists have been demonstrated to be useful agents in the management of a wide variety of cardiovascular disorders. All calcium antagonists effectively lower blood pressure. Non dihydropyridine compounds (verapamil and diltiazem) are of particular benefit in the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias and angina. Epidemiological data have raised concerns regarding the use of rapid acting dihydropyridine agents in the treatment of hypertension and ischaemic heart disease. Slow release agents provide sustained therapeutic benefits with fewer side effects than standard dihydropyridine preparations.
Krum
H
H
Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria.
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers