[Calcium antagonists: current and future applications based on new evidence. Classification of calcium channel blockers]

Abstract

Calcium channel blockers have been widely recognized as important medicines for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and angina pectoris. In Japan, more than 15 calcium channel blockers are clinically available, and their pharmacological profiles are known to vary in terms of action on subtypes of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels, tissue selectivity, and influence on the sympathetic nerve activity. Thus, the classification of calcium channel blockers is useful for understanding the similarity and differences of the drugs' action, leading to optimum prescription.