What is the Difference Between Dihydropyridine and Nondihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers?

Dihydropyridine and nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are two subclasses of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which are medications that block calcium channels in the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, promoting blood vessel dilation and reducing blood pressure. The main differences between these two subclasses are:

1. Selectivity: Dihydropyridines are more vascular-selective, meaning they primarily act on vascular smooth muscles, while nondihydropyridines are more myocardial-selective, meaning they have a greater effect on the heart muscle.
2. Pharmacological Effects: Dihydropyridine CCBs tend to be more potent vasodilators than nondihydropyridine CCBs, which have more marked negative inotropic effects. Both subclasses have a similar capacity to lower blood pressure, but nondihydropyridines may offer potential advantages in the management of patients with chronic kidney disease.
3. Examples: Dihydropyridines include medications like nifedipine and amlodipine, while nondihydropyridines include verapamil and diltiazem.

Both dihydropyridine and nondihydropyridine CCBs are used to treat conditions such as hypertension and angina pectoris, but their specific uses and effects may vary depending on the individual patient's needs and the determination of the treating physician.

Comparative Table: Dihydropyridine vs Nondihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers

Dihydropyridine and nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are two subclasses of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) that differ in their selectivity and effects on blood vessels and heart muscles. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

In summary, dihydropyridine CCBs primarily target calcium channels on the smooth muscles and have a predominantly peripheral vasodilatory action, while nondihydropyridine CCBs target calcium channels in the heart and possess significant negative inotropic effects.