third generation calcium antagonist in treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Calcium channel blockers, despite former debates on side-effects and safety-problems, still hold an important position in the treatment of systemic hypertension and angina pectoris. While earlier developments have focused on increasing potency and selectivity of calcium channel blockers the most recent developments have brought about drugs which are particularly slow in onset and have a long duration of action. These drugs in this context are third generation calcium channel blockers, namely amlodipine, lercanidipine and lacidipine. These calcium channel blockers combine practically all desired effects through their high lipophilicity. They have, furthermore, an unique binding profile, which guarantees constant calcium antagonistic action independent of serum concentration changes.