| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| Amlodipine besylate | Norvasc |
| Diltiazem hydrochloride | Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Taztia, Tiazac |
| Felodipine | Plendil |
| Isradipine | DynaCirc |
| Nicardipine hydrochloride | Cardene |
| Nifedipine | Procardia XL |
| Nisoldipine | Sular |
| Verapamil hydrochloride | Calan SR, Isoptin SR |
How they work
Calcium channel blockers help treat coronary artery disease by:
- Increasing blood flow to the heart muscle by expanding (dilating) the coronary arteries.
- Possibly helping to prevent a spasm of the coronary arteries.
- Lowering blood pressure and the workload on the heart, which allows the heart muscle to function with less oxygen and blood flow.
- Sometimes slowing a rapid heart rate and controlling irregular heart rhythms.
Calcium channel blockers are commonly used in people with coronary artery disease who have one or more of the following conditions:
- Stable angina
- Episodes of spasm affecting the coronary arteries
- Inability to take beta-blockers, or beta-blockers are ineffective in controlling a rapid heart rhythm
Last Updated:
January 8, 2008
