Diversity of calcium antagonists.
Calcium antagonists (CAs) are widely used in the management of hypertension and chronic stable angina pectoris. Currently available CAs fall into three distinct structural classes--the dihydropyridines, the benzothiazepines, and the phenylalkylamines. The diversity of these agents, even among drugs within a structural group, is apparent in their pharmacology, physiologic effects, and therapeutic uses. Traditional CAs produce their effects through blockade of the L-type calcium channel. Recently, a new CA has been developed. Mibefradil, the first member of a new class of CAs, is a tetralol derivative. It is characterized by its selective blockade of T-type calcium channels. It differs from existing CAs and may offer important therapeutic advantages.
Pitt
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Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, USA.
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020748:Mibefradil; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014700:Verapamil / Q000627:therapeutic use
D001562:Benzimidazoles; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes; D020748:Mibefradil; D014700:Verapamil; D004110:Diltiazem; D009543:Nifedipine