What are the effects of calcium channel blockers?
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) include dihydropyridines and nondihydropyridines. The dihydropyridines (nifedipine and amlodipine) produce the most marked peripheral vasodilation and have little direct effect on contractility, atrioventricular conduction, and heart rate. The nondihydropyridines (diltiazem and verapamil) have significant negative inotropic actions and negative chronotropic and dromotropic effects. All CCBs cause similar coronary vasodilation and are preferred in vasospastic angina. Additionally, they can alleviate ischemia due to obstructive CAD by decreasing heart rate and BP.