Amlodipine, bepridil, diltiazem, felodipine, flunarizine, isradipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine and verapamil belong to the group of medication called calcium channel blocking agents.
Calcium channel blocking agents effect the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, they relax blood vessels and increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.
Some of the calcium channel blocking agents are using to relieve and control angina pectoris - chest pain.
Some are also using to treat high blood pressure - hypertension. High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
Flunarizine is using to prevent migraine headaches.
Nimodipine is using to prevent and treat problems causing by a burst blood vessel around the brain - also known as a ruptured aneurysm or subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Other calcium channel blocking agents may also be using for these and other conditions as determined by your family doctor.
These medication are available only with your family doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada
For quick reference, the following calcium channel blocking agents are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.
This information applies to the following medication: 1. Amlodipine - am-LOE-di-peen 2. Bepridil - BE-pri-dil† 3. Diltiazem - dil-TYE-a-zem 4. Felodipine - fe-LOE-di-peen 5. Flunarizine - floo-NAR-i-zeen* 6. Isradipine - is-RA-di-peen† 7. Nicardipine - nye-KAR-de-peen† 8. Nifedipine - nye-FED-i-peen 9. Nimodipine - nye-MOE-di-peen 10. Verapamil - ver-AP-a-mil * Not commercially available in the USA † Not commercially available in Canada Generic name product may be available in the USA Generic name product may be available in Canada