Nifedipine

Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker that relaxes arterial smooth muscle. It is used to treat high blood pressure and angina.

L-type calcium channel: A voltage-gated calcium channel that enables calcium entry into cardiac and smooth muscle cells. Nifedipine reduces calcium entry through these channels in arterial smooth muscle.
Hypertension: Persistently elevated arterial blood pressure that increases cardiovascular risk. Nifedipine lowers blood pressure by reducing peripheral arterial resistance.
Amlodipine: A long-acting dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used mainly for hypertension and angina. Like nifedipine, it dilates arteries, but its slower onset and longer action shape its use.
Calcium-channel blocker: A medicine that reduces calcium entry through voltage-gated channels in excitable cells. Nifedipine belongs to this drug class, specifically its dihydropyridine subgroup.
Vascular smooth muscle: The contractile muscle layer in blood vessel walls that regulates vessel diameter. Relaxation of this tissue is the immediate basis of nifedipine’s arterial dilation.
Angina pectoris: Chest discomfort caused by inadequate oxygen supply to heart muscle, usually during exertion or stress. Nifedipine can reduce angina by lowering cardiac workload and relieving coronary spasm.
Verapamil: A non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker that acts strongly on the heart as well as blood vessels. Unlike nifedipine, verapamil substantially slows heart rate and atrioventricular conduction.
Dihydropyridine: A chemical and pharmacological class of calcium-channel blockers with strong effects on vascular smooth muscle. Nifedipine is a member of this class.
Arteriolar dilation: Widening of small arteries that lowers resistance to blood flow. Nifedipine’s reduction of arteriolar resistance lowers blood pressure.
Raynaud phenomenon: Episodes of reduced blood flow to the fingers or toes, often triggered by cold or stress. Nifedipine’s vasodilating effect is used to reduce attacks in some patients.

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