Which medications are classified as calcium channel blockers?

Calcium channel blockers are a specific class of medications that primarily work by inhibiting the movement of calcium ions into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. This action leads to relaxation of the blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood pressure and decreased workload on the heart. Amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil are all well-studied examples of calcium channel blockers.

Amlodipine is commonly used for hypertension and angina, diltiazem serves both as an antihypertensive agent and an antianginal because of its ability to lower heart rate and dilate blood vessels, while verapamil is often favored for its effectiveness in controlling certain types of arrhythmias and hypertension as well.

The other classes of medications listed do not fit the criteria for calcium channel blockers. Choices involving losartan and valsartan are angiotensin receptor blockers, hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide are diuretics, and propranolol and atenolol are beta-blockers. Understanding these classifications is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment regimens for hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.