Effects of verapamil, an antagonist of L-type calcium channels, on cardiovascular symptoms in alcohol withdrawal.
OBJECTIVE
We studied whether verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, affects cardiovascular symptoms in alcohol withdrawal.


METHODS
Cardiovascular effects of verapamil (5 mg intravenously) were compared in 20 alcohol-dependent subjects during alcohol withdrawal (n = 10) on days 1, 2 and 10 and during early recovery (n = 10; duration 45 +/- 4.1 days). The heart rate was obtained from the electrocardiogram. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured with a sphygmomanometer by Korotkoff. Stroke volume was studied by impedance cardiography.


RESULTS
Significant differences in verapamil effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure and stroke volume and total peripheral resistance were observed in patients with withdrawal when compared with those in early recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
L-type Ca2+ channels may modify vascular tone in alcohol withdrawal.
Kähkönen
Seppo
S
BioMag Laboratory, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Seppo.Kahkonen@helsinki.fi
Bondarenko
Boris B
BB
Lipsanen
Jari
J
Zvartau
Edwin E
EE
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type / Q000378:metabolism; D004562:Electrocardiography; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019722:Sphygmomanometers; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D014700:Verapamil / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D000431:Ethanol; D014700:Verapamil