§ Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) are widely used as
first-line agents to treat hypertension in black patients and in patients aged
more than 55 years.
§ First-generation DHPs include
Ø Nifedipine
Ø Nicardipine,
§ Second-generation DHPs include
Ø Benidipine
Ø Efonidipine
§ Third-generation DHPs include
Ø Amlodipine
Ø Azelnidipine
§ Fourth-generation drugs include
Ø Lercanidipine
Ø Lacidipine
§ The dihydropyridine CCBs are approved to manage the patients with
hypertension and angina
§ Dihydropyridine CCBs interact with following drugs as Object drugs
· Drugs increasing the plasma concentrations of dihydropyridine CCBs
resulting in enhanced adverse effects
Ø Macrolide antibiotics
Ø Azole antifungals
Ø Protease inhibitors
Ø Grapefruit juice
Ø Seville orange juice
· Drugs decreasing the plasma concentrations of dihydropyridine CCBs
resulting in decreased bioavailability
Ø Rifampicin
Ø Phenytoin
Ø Carbamazepine
Ø Phenobarbital
§ Dihydropyridine CCBs interact with following drugs as precipitant
drugs
Ø Statins
Ø Cyclosporine
Ø Clopidogrel
§ The prescribers and pharmacists are required to be aware of the
adverse drug interactions of dihydropyridine CCBs to prevent adverse outcomes
§ Healthcare professionals through the screening, education, and
follow up on suspected drug interactions could reduce the risk of adverse
effects.
§ The patients are encouraged to ask their doctor or pharmacist to
look over their list for any potentially dangerous combinations.
§ It is recommended that people fill all their prescriptions at one
pharmacy, if possible.
