Review of calcium-channel blockers

Calcium-channel blocking drugs were introduced to the United States in 1982. The three approved calcium-channel blockers--nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem--have offered new treatments for angina. This article presents an overview of these drugs with emphasis on their mechanisms of action, clinical use and guidelines for the nurse practitioner in assessing the need for calcium-channel blockers in the management of angina.