Share this Article on Facebook Twitter Submit this article to Reddit Give this article a thumbs-up on StumbleUpon

calcium-channel blocker

calcium-channel blocker

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

calcium-channel blocker any of a class of drugs used in treating hypertension , angina pectoris , and certain arrhythmias . They prevent the calcium ions needed for muscle contraction from entering the cells of smooth and cardiac muscle. This causes blood vessel walls to relax and blood to flow more freely to the heart, lowering blood pressure and relieving anginal pain. Some calcium-channel blockers, such as Procardia (nifedipine), slow the electrical impulses that run through heart muscle, thus regulating arrhythmias. Cardizem (diltiazem) is a common calcium-channel blocker.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"calcium-channel blocker." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"calcium-channel blocker." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-calcium-cb.html

"calcium-channel blocker." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-calcium-cb.html

Learn more about citation styles

calcium-channel blocker

A Dictionary of Nursing | 2008 | Copyright

calcium-channel blocker (calcium antagonist) n. a drug that inhibits the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth-muscle cells; it therefore reduces the strength of heart-muscle contraction, reduces conduction of impulses in the heart, and causes vasodilatation. Calcium-channel blockers, which include amlodipine, diltiazem, nicardepine, nifedipine, and verapamil, are used to treat angina and high blood pressure.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"calcium-channel blocker." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"calcium-channel blocker." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-calciumchannelblocker.html

"calcium-channel blocker." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-calciumchannelblocker.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

Calcium channel blockers controversy: a review of the literature.
Magazine article from: Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences; 7/1/2004
Integrating B vitamins with calcium channel blockers.(Ask the PHARMACIST)
Magazine article from: Life Extension; 7/1/2007
Calcium channel blockers have no effect on cancer risk.
Magazine article from: Internal Medicine; 4/1/2000
calcium-channel blocker images
calcium-channel blocker. Other (Public Domain)

Related topics