PharmacologyLesson 3 of 4 in the course Antihypertensive and Antianginal Drugs

Calcium Channel Blockers: Mechanisms, Uses, and Safe Use

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are used to manage hypertension and angina, and some are also used for arrhythmias. This lesson explains how they work, how their two main subclasses differ, and what therapeutic effects to expect.

Calcium supports contraction in cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle. CCBs bind to long-acting voltage-gated calcium channels and inhibit calcium ion entry into cells. In vascular smooth muscle, reduced calcium entry relaxes the vessels, producing vasodilation, lowering peripheral vascular resistance, and decreasing blood pressure.

All flashcards

How do calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure?
They inhibit calcium entry into vascular smooth-muscle cells. The muscle relaxes, vessels dilate, and peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure decrease.
What is the main difference between dihydropyridines and nondihydropyridines?
Dihydropyridines act mainly on peripheral vascular smooth muscle. Nondihydropyridines, such as diltiazem and verapamil, also inhibit SA- and AV-node activity and can slow cardiac conduction and heart rate.
Name two common uses of calcium channel blockers.
They are commonly used to treat hypertension and angina. Selected CCBs are also used for certain arrhythmias and other specific indications.
How can nondihydropyridines help with angina?
By slowing cardiac conduction and heart rate, they can reduce cardiac workload and oxygen demand, helping relieve angina.
What common adverse effects should a client taking a CCB know about?
Possible effects include dizziness, constipation, palpitations, fatigue, flushing, nausea, headache, rash, and swelling of the legs and feet.

Quiz questions

  1. Which oral amlodipine regimen is described as typical for adults?Answer: 5–10 mg by mouth once daily
  2. What risk is associated with immediate-release nifedipine?Answer: Increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and arrhythmias
  3. Which findings should a nurse monitor during calcium channel blocker therapy?Answer: Blood pressure changes, dizziness, and peripheral swelling
  4. Which medicines are listed as interacting with amlodipine?Answer: Simvastatin, clarithromycin, and ritonavir
  5. What should a client do before using grapefruit juice while taking a calcium channel blocker?Answer: Ask a health care professional whether it is appropriate with that medication

Based on Pharmacology for Nurses by Tina Barbour-Taylor, Leah Mueller (Sabato), Donna Paris, Dorie Weaver (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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