Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB)

Question 1

Common Facts

Answer 1

Common ending: -dipine (dihydropyridines)
Commonly used to treat: angina (variant and stable), hypertension
Common adverse reactions: hypotension, gingival hyperplasia
Common auxiliary labels: do not crush or chew (for sustained or extended release formulations, or long acting formulations)

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

Relax blood vessels
Decreases force of heart contraction
Decreases peripheral resistance

Question 3

Dihydropyridines

Answer 3

Can cause dizziness, flushing, tachycardia

Question 4

Adalat

Answer 4

Generic name: nifedipine
Available doses and forms: Capsules: 5mg, 10mg
XL tablets: 20mg, 30mg, 60mg
Often dosed once daily (QAM)
Auxiliary label(s): avoid grapefruit

Question 5

Norvasc

Answer 5

Generic name: amlodipine
Tablets: 5mg, 10mg
Often dosed once daily (QAM)

Question 6

Renedil

Answer 6

Generic name: felodipine
ER and SR tablets: 5mg, 10mg
Auxiliary label(s): Do not crush or chew

Question 7

Phenylalkylamines

Answer 7

Can cause congestive heart failure (CHF), bradycardia
Brand Name: Isoptin
Generic name: verapamil
Available doses and forms: Tablets: 80mg, 120mg
SR tablets: 120mg, 180mg, 240mg
Also commonly used to treat: arrhythmia
Auxiliary label(s): take with food, avoid grapefruit