Final answer:
Calan and Verelan are brand names for verapamil, a Calcium Channel Blocker used as an Antihypertensive to lower high blood pressure. The correct category of medication for these drugs is b) Antihypertensive.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calan and Verelan, which are brand names for verapamil, belong to the category of medications known as Calcium Channel Blockers. These drugs are often prescribed as part of antihypertensive therapy to lower high blood pressure. The correct answer to the student's question is b) Antihypertensive.
Other examples of calcium channel blockers include Amlodipine (Norvasc, Lotrel), Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac), and Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia). These medications function by inhibiting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, thereby relaxing the vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. This leads to lower blood pressure and can also be used to manage other conditions such as angina and irregular heartbeats.