A calcium channel blocker (CCB) is a chemical that disrupts the movement of calcium (Ca2+) through calcium channels.
CCB drugs devised to target neurons are used as antiepileptics. However, the most widespread clinical usage of calcium channel blockers is to decrease blood pressure in patients with hypertension. CCBs are particularly efficacious in treating elderly patients. Calcium channel blockers are also frequently used to alter heart rate, to prevent cerebral vasospasm, and to reduce chest pain caused by angina pectoris. Despite their effectiveness, CCB's often have a high mortality rate over extended periods of use, and have been known to have multiple side effects. Potential major risks however were mainly found to be associated with short-acting CCB's.
Read more about Calcium Channel Blocker: Mechanism of Action, Toxicity
Famous quotes containing the word channel:
“For, rightly, every man is a channel through which heaven floweth, and, whilst I fancied I was criticising him, I was censuring or rather terminating my own soul.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)