Calcium antagonists are called an impressive size group of drugs that can stop the transportation of this substance through special channels into smooth muscle cells. Cardiologists use these drugs quite actively. They help in the treatment of many different diseases. Due to their effective effect, the invention of calcium entry blockers is considered one of the most significant achievements of pharmacology in the twentieth century.
The mechanism of action of calcium antagonists
Calcium ions are extremely important for the body. They take part in many life processes. As soon as the particles enter the cells, the processes are activated, due to which the physiological cellular functions are realized. If calcium ions become too much, the cellular metabolism can greatly accelerate. Against this background, the need for tissues in oxygen and nutrients will increase. And this, in turn, leads to destructive changes.
Antagonists of calcium ions reduce their concentration and do not allow particles to penetrate from the extracellular space into the cells. They also promote vasodilation and lower blood pressure.
When are calcium antagonists prescribed?
- With vasospastic angina, calcium channel blockers are particularly effective. As practice shows, seizures they prevent much better than any other means.
- Antagonists quickly reduce the pressure, so without them it is very difficult to cope with crises in hypertension .
- Heart failure is a controversial diagnosis. Medications blocking calcium channels to treat it are prescribed, but they do not help everyone.
- Preparations-antagonists of calcium ions have not bad proved in struggle against relapses of acute myocardial infarctions. Coping seizures medication is not too good, but in the period after the crisis it is very effective.
- Patients with unstable angina pectoris are prescribed calcium blockers mainly with metoprolol. This combination is much more favorable effect on the body.
List of calcium antagonist drugs
Specialists distinguish three main groups of drugs:
- The derivatives of phenylalkylamines "began" with Verapamil. Medicines of this group can affect both the muscle tissue of the heart and the vessels. They are undesirable to combine with beta-blockers, because in this case the myocardium will get a double effect, as a result of which atrioventricular conduction may be violated.
- The first derivative of dihydropyridine was Nifedipine. The main purpose of the drug is vasodilator action. A list of calcium antagonists of the second group is characterized by selective action. First of all, drugs affect the coronary arteries. And they have almost no side effects.
- The latter group includes benzothiazepine derivatives, which are currently only represented by Diltiazem.
There are other drugs-calcium antagonists. The most famous and effective ones are:
- Finoptin;
- Baypress;
- Lomir;
- Clentiazem;
- Gallopamil;
- Felodipine;
- Nitrendipine;
- Lacidipine;
- Lercanidipine;
- Isradipine;
- Corinfar;
- Cordaflex;
- Osmo-Adalat;
- Kordafen;
- Amlotop;
- Norvasc;
- Plandil;
- Stamlo;
- Dilren;
- Diles;
- Altiazem.
All calcium antagonists are not recommended to be administered intramuscularly, they should be used only intravenously. Medications can cause uncontrolled muscle contraction, which, as a rule, is very strong and prolonged. That leads to the transmission of blood vessels and the death of tissues.