[Pharmacokinetics of calcium antagonists]

Pharmacokinetics of the three main classes of calcium antagonists are similar for resorption, protein binding, hepatic metabolism. However, their plasma elimination half lives differ considerably and distinguishes: those that have a short or intermediate plasma half life (nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, nicardipine, nitrendipine, felodipine) with once or twice daily administration, most often thanks to slow-release forms, and those whose administration is once daily, either because of prolonged half-life (amlodipine) or because of prolonged duration of action due to accumulation into the cellular wall (lacidipine). These different formulations ensure better patient compliance and plateau plasma concentrations resulting in better clinical efficacy and fewer side-effects.