Calcium channel blockers (CCBs), also known as calcium channel antagonists, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are widely used to treat various conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and chronic stable angina. However, despite their widespread use, this class of cardiovascular drugs is one of the primary contributors to drug-related fatalities. CCBs are often classified into 2 major categories—non-dihydropyridines or dihydropyridines. The non-dihydropyridines include verapamil, classified as a phenylalkylamine, and diltiazem, categorized as a benzothiazepine. Cardiovascular indications include hypertension, coronary spasm, angina pectoris, supraventricular dysrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary hypertension. In addition, CCBs can also be used to treat certain off-label indications, such as Raynaud phenomenon, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and migraine headaches.
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