Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)
- DHPs vasodilate; non-DHPs slow AV node
- amlodipine/nifedipine → HTN/angina
- diltiazem/verapamil → AF rate/angina
- DHP: edema, flushing, headache
- Non-DHP: bradycardia/constipation
- Verapamil has greatest cardiac depression
- Avoid non-DHPs in HFrEF
Class at a glance
- DHPs vasodilate; non-DHPs slow AV node
- amlodipine/nifedipine → HTN/angina
- diltiazem/verapamil → AF rate/angina
DHP adverse effects
- DHP: edema, flushing, headache
Non-DHP adverse effects
- Non-DHP: bradycardia/constipation
Safety / monitoring
- Verapamil has greatest cardiac depression
- Avoid non-DHPs in HFrEF
Self-check
- Which CCB subclass slows AV-node conduction?
Non-DHP CCBs. - When should non-DHP CCBs generally be avoided?
HFrEF.
Drugs in this class (10)
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Calcium-channel blockers (1981–2026).
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