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Update on the use of calcium antagonists on hypertension

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 16, pages S114–S117 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Calcium antagonists represent an important group of drugs for the treatment of hypertension; they are effective in the whole range of severity of the disease. Dihy- dropyridine derivatives are most frequently used, and can be used in association with other antihypertensive drugs; meanwhile phenylalkylamines and benzothiazepines are contraindicated in association with beta-blocker drugs. Calcium antagonists with slow starting effect and long duration of action are the choice for use in long-term antihypertensive treatment. This group of drugs is specially indicated in elderly patients, in those with diabetes mellitus and in patients with coronary heart disease. Phenylalkylamines and benzothiazepine derivatives are also used in patients with supraventricular arrhythmias. This group of agents is as safe as diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors and beta-blocking drugs in the long-term treatment of hypertension.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Venezuela

    R Hernández-Hernández, M J Armas-Hernández & M C Armas-Padilla

  2. Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Vargas School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela

    M Velasco

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  1. R Hernández-Hernández
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  2. M Velasco
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  3. M J Armas-Hernández
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  4. M C Armas-Padilla
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Correspondence to R Hernández-Hernández.

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Hernández-Hernández, R., Velasco, M., Armas-Hernández, M. et al. Update on the use of calcium antagonists on hypertension. J Hum Hypertens 16 (Suppl 1), S114–S117 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001355

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