Non-DHP Calcium Channel Blockers
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Summary
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Key Points
- Key Drugs
- Diltiazem
- Verapamil
- Mechanism
- Myocardium selective
- Decrease contractility
- Blocks calcium channels in the myocardium, decreasing the strength of cardiac muscle contraction and thus decreasing the oxygen demand of the heart.
- Decrease heart rate
- Blocks calcium channels within the SA and AV nodes, slowing the rate of conduction and decreasing the heart rate.
- Clinical Use
- Dysrhythmias
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Does not convert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm, but can help control ventricular rate.
- Angina
- Hypertension
- Dysrhythmias
- Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
- Bradycardia
- A suppression of cardiac activity can cause bradycardia, as well as heart block and heart failure.
- Contraindicated in patients with current bradycardia or heart blocks.
- Check pulse prior to administration
- Can result in hypotension
- A suppression of cardiac activity can cause bradycardia, as well as heart block and heart failure.
- Avoid grapefruit juice
- Increases the amount of drug levels in the body by inhibiting liver enzymes responsible for drug breakdown
- Can lead to severe cardiac depression
- Constipation
- Encourage a high fiber diet
- Bradycardia