[Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of calcium channel blockers]

The author presents a review of the chemically heterogeneous group of calcium antagonists, focused on their pharmacodynamic properties. He includes in the older generation of calcium antagonists drugs like verapamil, dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and dilthiazem (Diacordin, Blocalcin). The newer generation of dihydropyridines comprises substances with a higher vascular selectivity at a concentration of lower order. The latter include felodipine (Plendil), isradipine (Lomir) and nitrendipine (Baypress). The third generation includes drugs like amlodipine (Norvasc) and lacidipine. The slow onset of action of amlodipine is associated with a decline of undesirable side effects, such as flush, tachycardia, headache, oedema of the ankles. An advantage is also the prolonged effect when a single dose per day is administered.