Calcium Channel Blockers

Question 1

Common prescribed conditions

Answer 1

hypertension; tachyarrhythmia; heart failure

Question 2

Negative inotropic effect of CCB

Answer 2

decreases the force and/or speed of cardiomyocytes

Question 3

Negative chronotropic effect of CCB

Answer 3

changes the heart rate through sympathetic innervation of cardio-pacemaker properties (i.e. sinoatrial node)

Question 4

Mechanism of action

Answer 4

limits influx of Ca+ into vascular cardiomyocytes; causing interference of voltage-operated Ca+ channels within the cell membrane; decreases pressure; decreases work

Question 5

Effects of CCB on exercise

Answer 5

decreases heart rate; decreases cardiac output

Question 6

The common suffix for drug identification of CCB

Answer 6

dipine

Question 7

List four drugs with the “dipine” suffix

Answer 7

1. Amlodipine
2. Felodipine
3. Isradipine
4. Lacidipine
5. Nicardipine

Question 8

List two drugs without the common suffix of CCB

Answer 8

1. Verapamil

2. Diltiazem