Drug Interactions of Dihydropyridines (Calcium Channel Blockers):
© Dihydropyridines are useful in the management of hypertension and coronary artery disease.
© Dihydropyridines inhibit calcium ion influx across cell membranes of vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiac muscle cells. Dihydropyridines are peripheral arterial vasodilators which act directly on vascular smooth muscle to reduce peripheral vascular resistance and reduction of blood pressure.
© Dihydropyridines can interact significantly with many drugs including Primidone, Colchicine, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clopidogrel, CYP3A4 Inhibitors, CYP3A4 Inducers and CYP3A4 Substrates.
© It is contraindicated to use Felodipine or Nisoldipine along with Ketoconazole or Itraconazole, due to the potential for cardiotoxicity.
© Concomitant use of Dihydropyridines and Primidone is contraindicated.
© Coadministration of Dihydropyridines and Colchicine is contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, due to increased risk of colchicine toxicity.
© The risk of thrombotic events is elevated when dihydropyridines and Clopidogrel are used concurrently.
© The risk of adverse effects of dihydropyridines is increased in patients taking CYP3A4 Inhibitors such as Clarithromycin, Telaprevir, Ritonavir, Ceritinib, Nilotinib, Conivaptan, etc.
© CYP3A4 Inducers like Carbamazepine, Eslicarbazepine acetate, St. John’s wort, Dabrafenib, etc. might decrease the exposure of dihydropyridines.
© The risk of toxicity of CYP3A4 substrates such as Domperidone, Fentanyl, Eliglustat, etc. might be elevated by the coadministration of dihydropyridines.
Pregnancy:
© Dihydropyridines could be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast Feeding:
© It is recommended to discontinue breast feeding, when dihydropyridines are administered to nursing women.
