Question

Nifedipine is what type of CCB? What does it do? Best for what kind of patient?

a) Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine CCB; It primarily dilates arterioles, reducing afterload; It is best for hypertensive patients.
b) Nifedipine is a non-dihydropyridine CCB; It primarily slows AV node conduction, reducing heart rate; It is best for patients with atrial fibrillation.
c) Nifedipine is a mixed CCB; It simultaneously dilates arteries and veins, reducing both preload and afterload; It is best for patients with angina pectoris.
d) Nifedipine is a selective CCB; It exclusively targets the coronary arteries, improving myocardial oxygen supply; It is best for patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Answer 1

Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker primarily used to reduce afterload by dilating arterioles, making it suitable for hypertensive patients. It does not significantly affect heart rate or AV node conduction, differentiating it from non-dihydropyridine CCBs like Verapamil, which are used for arrhythmias.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nifedipine is a type of calcium channel blocker (CCB), specifically known as a dihydropyridine CCB. Its primary action is to dilate the arterioles, which reduces the afterload on the heart. This vasodilation leads to a decrease in arterial blood pressure, making it particularly beneficial for hypertensive patients. Unlike non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, which may also affect the heart rate and are sometimes used in the management of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, nifedipine primarily targets the vascular smooth muscle and has a lesser effect on the heart itself. Consequently, it is not the drug of choice for conditions that require a significant reduction in heart rate or atrioventricular conduction such as acute myocardial infarction or certain arrhythmias.

Some other common calcium channel blockers used in clinical practice include Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Felodipine, Nimodipine, Nisoldipine, and Verapamil. These drugs vary in their selectivity for vascular versus cardiac calcium channels and consequently in their therapeutic applications. For instance, Verapamil is a non-dihydropyridine CCB that can slow AV nodal conduction and is used to manage certain types of arrhythmias. It's important for patients to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication for their specific condition.