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Brand Name, Dosage Format and Strength
Calcibloc 10 mg Capsule
Therapeutic Category
Cardiovascular and Hematopoietic System
Class
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor, Diuretic, Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker, Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker, Diuretic, 3-Ketoacyl Coenzyme A Thiolase (3-KAT) Inhibitor, Nitrates Salicylate, Antiplatelet, Peripheral Vasodilator, Beta-Andrenoceptor Blocker, Calcium Channel Blocker, Direct-acting Inotropic Agent, Diuretic, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor, Diuretic, Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker, Diuretic, Fibric Acid Derivative, HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor, Recombinant Human Erythropoietin, Hemostatics
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Nifedipine is a calcium blocker. It blocks the calcium or “slow” channels and inhibits entry of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscles particularly of resistance vessels and coronary arteries. Nifedipine therefore dilates coronary and peripheral arteries, as well as veins. Coronary arterial vasodilation increases coronary blood flow in the ischemic post-stenotic areas, while dilation of the peripheral arteries lowers arterial BP and reduces left ventricular afterload. Some renal artery dilatation may stimualate mild diuresis.
These actions make nifedipine useful in the treatment of primary or secondary HTN and coronary insufficiency, with or without angina.
Blockade of calcium entry into myocardial cells results in slightly decreased cardiac contraction; but unlike verapamil and diltiazem, nifedipine has no significant effect on the sinus node or AV conduction. On the contrary, sinus tachycardia of compensatory etiology may be observed, which is easily controlled by adrenergic β-blockers. Nifedipine can be used safely and effectively in sick sinus syndrome and in patients with AV conduction slowing or block.