Final answer:
Nifedipine and verapamil are calcium channel blockers, and Toprol (metoprolol) is a beta-blocker. Both types of medications are used for treating hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They are not antibiotics or diuretics and should be used under medical supervision.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is important to know that nifedipine and verapamil are calcium channel blockers, while Toprol (metoprolol) is a beta-blocker. Calcium channel blockers are often used in the treatment of hypertension and cardiac conditions such as angina because they relax blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart. On the other hand, beta-blockers like Toprol work by blocking the effects of epinephrine on the heart, slowing down the heart rate, and reducing the force of the heart muscles' contractions.
Verapamil is also known as Calan, and Verelan, and along with other calcium channel blockers like nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), they are often included in first-line medication for the management of hypertension.
It is important to note that these medications are not antibiotics and do not serve the function of diuretics. Their use must be closely monitored by a healthcare provider to prevent complications such as bradycardia or negative inotropic effects which may decrease the strength of the heart's contraction and stroke volume and could be harmful, particularly in overprescription scenarios.