calcium-channel blocker

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calcium-channel blocker

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.

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calcium-channel blocker

A Dictionary of Nursing | 2008 | Â© A Dictionary of Nursing 2008, originally published by Oxford University Press 2008. (Hide copyright information) 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.

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Integrating B vitamins with calcium channel blockers.(Ask the PHARMACIST) Magazine article from: Life Extension; 7/1/2007
	Calcium Channel Blockers: Causes Male Infertility. Newspaper article from: HealthFacts; 11/1/1999
	Two new U.S. Patents issued to CooperVision Pharmaceuticals for its calcium channel blocker. Business Wire; 7/24/1995

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