Calcium channel blockers/other antianginal drugs

Question 1

Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 1

– Work in both effort and vasospastic angina
– Verapamil, diltiazem: target both Ca
channels in heart & vessels (verapamil
prefers Heart more, diltiazem does both)
– Dihydropyridines- target Ca channels in
vessels ONLY

Question 2

Beta Blockers

Both classes: Hepatic elimination

Answer 2

– All work in effort angina, but
contraindicated in vasospastic angina
– Prophylaxis only

Question 3

Less Calcium-dependent contraction

Answer 3

less O2 use

Question 4

What is a contraindication to use verapamil for relief of anginal pain?
A. Heart failure with very low CO
B. Low BP
C.Angina
D.Concurrent nitroglycerin use

Answer 4

A. Heart failure with very low CO

Question 5

What is a contraindication to use nifedipine for relief of anginal pain?
A. Heart failure with very low CO
B. Low BP
C.Angina
D.Concurrent nitroglycerin use

Answer 5

B. Low BP

Question 6

Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 6

Calcium is essential for contraction of cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle by complexing with troponin C and calmodulin, respectively. Thus, an effective blockade of calcium influx into these cells would relax them.