calcium-channel blocker, any of a class of drugs used in treating hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain arrhythmias. They prevent the calcium ions needed for muscle contraction from entering the cells of smooth and cardiac muscle. This causes blood vessel walls to relax and blood to flow more freely to the heart, lowering blood pressure and relieving anginal pain. Some calcium-channel blockers, such as Procardia (nifedipine), slow the electrical impulses that run through heart muscle, thus regulating arrhythmias. Cardizem (diltiazem) is a common calcium-channel blocker.
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calcium-channel blocker
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Saunders Veterinary Dictionary:
calcium channel blocker |
A drug, such as nifedipine or verapamil, that selectively blocks the influx of calcium ions through a specific ion channel (the slow channel or calcium channel) of cardiac muscle and smooth muscle cells; used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Calcium channel blockers act to control arrhythmias by slowing the rate of sinoatrial (SA) node discharge and the conduction velocity through the atrioventricular (AV) node. Called also calcium blocker, calcium antagonist.
Mosby's Dental Dictionary:
calcium channel blocker |
n
A drug that inhibits the flow of calcium ions across the membranes of smooth muscle cells. The reduction of calcium flow relaxes smooth muscle tone and reduces the risk of muscle spasms. Calcium channel blockers are used in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery spasms.
Related topics:
 | nifedipine |
| bepridil HCl |
| Isradipine |
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Copyrights:
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 | Columbia Encyclopedia. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. www.cc.columbia.edu/cu/cup/. Read more |
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| Saunders Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Mosby's Dental Dictionary. Mosby's Dental Dictionary. Copyright © 2004 by Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
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