Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats
Published on: April 4, 2025
Calcium-channel blockers and end-stage renal disease: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations
Domenic A Sica1, Todd W B Gehr
1Division of Nephrology, Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298, USA. dsica@hsc.vcu.edu
Purpose Of Review:
To characterize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the different calcium-channel blockers.
Recent Findings:
Calcium-channel blockers have been in use for some time in the end-stage renal disease population. Their primary use has been as antihypertensive and antianginal therapies. In this regard, they are effective agents. Recently, it has been noted that dialysis-related hypotension occurs less frequently in calcium-channel blocker treated patients. Also, access patency and overall patient survival are improved with calcium-channel blocker therapy.
Summary:
Calcium-channel blockers are useful agents for the control of hypertension in end-stage renal disease patients and appear to favorably influence survival in this population. Calcium-channel blockers are not dialyzable and their pharmacokinetics do not substantially change with renal failure therefore they do not require dose adjustment based on level of renal function. Too few studies exist to determine if individual calcium-channel blockers differ in their effects. Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trials are needed in the end-stage renal disease population to better understand the role of calcium-channel blockers in the excess cardiovascular disease burden of this population.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Calcium Channel Blockers
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
