see also:

• calcium channel blockers
• calcium channel blocker overdose

• a dihydropyridine calcium blocking agent
• act mainly on arteriolar smooth muscle to reduce peripheral vascular resistance and thus reduces blood pressure
• often formulated with other agents such as statins, ACE inhibitors

• hypertension
• angina
• Raynaud's phenomenon

• BP < 90mmHg
• the shocked hypotensive patient
• bradycardia
• sick sinus syndrome
• AV block without a pacemaker
• significant left ventricular failure (LVF)
• AF with pre-excitation syndromes including WPW
• ventricular tachycardia (VT)
• hypersensitivity
• pregnancy - class C

• concomitant beta adrenergic blockers
• liver impairment
• grapefruit juice as this is an inhibitor of the CYP-3A4 enzyme and may cause toxicity of verapamil and other calcium channel blockers
• lactation

• hypotension
• peripheral oedema which is NOT responsive to diuretics which will only cause volume depletion
• constipation
• negative inotropic effect and cardiac failure risk as well as cardiac conduction blockade - although less risk than with verapamil (Isoptin)
• rarely, myasthenia-like neuromuscular disease

• 5-10mg orally stat

• 2.5-10mg orally once daily