User:Mr. Ibrahem/Calcium channel blocker

Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are a class of medication made up of two main groups dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines. Common dihydropyridines include amlodipine and nifedipine and non-dihydropyridines include diltiazem and verapamil. Both types are used for stable angina, while dihydropyridines are used for high blood pressure, and non-dihydropyridines are used for atrial fibrillation. Other uses include cluster headache, pulmonary hypertension, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. They can be take by mouth or given by injection into a vein.

Common side effects of dihydropyridines include headaches and swelling while non-dihydropyridines can result in a slow heart rate, constipation, and heart failure. They work by blocking movement of calcium into cell. Dihydropyridines mainly affect blood vessels resulting in vasodilation while non-dihydropyridines mainly affect the heart resulting in decreased contraction. Overdose is associated with a high risk of death.

Calcium channel blockers were discovered in 1964, with the first useful agent being verapamil. They are commonly used. A number of agents are available as generic medication and not very expensive.