Calcium ions are of great importance for the binding of processes that take place on the surface of the cell membrane with intracellular mechanisms. This occurs through ion channels, through which certain types of protein molecules open the way for calcium ions.
Location and role of ion channels
These channels, in turn, are divided into three types:
- cytoplasmic;
- sakrolemalnye;
- intracellular.
Most of the calcium channels are located in the heart muscle, and the remaining ones are in the muscle tissues of the bronchi, uterus, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and platelets.
As already mentioned, calcium ions affect the metabolic processes in the body, causing:
- increase in oxygen demand;
- active muscle contraction;
- increased excitability.
To neutralize this activity in medicine, drugs that belong to the group of calcium channel blockers (BCC) or as they are also called slow calcium channel blockers are used.
Indications for use and therapeutic effect of BPC
Medicinal preparations of calcium channel blockers are prescribed in the presence of the following diseases:
- hypertension;
- angina pectoris ;
- coronary insufficiency;
- Combination of angina with bradycardia;
- tachycardia;
- heart rhythm disorder;
- disorders of cerebral circulation;
- defeat of the heart of unexplained etiology;
- Raynaud's syndrome .
In addition, BPC can be prescribed for diseases of the nervous system, allergies, bronchospasm and certain degenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia, alcoholism).
The mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers on the body causes:
- decreased smooth muscle tone;
- improvement of blood flow;
- decreased heart contractility;
- diuretic effect;
- a decrease in the speed of pulses;
- a decrease in the level of platelet aggregation and an improvement in blood composition.
Classification of medicinal products
Calcium channel blockers have a certain classification and are divided into:
- Derivatives of dihydropyridine. These drugs are based on nifepidine. They have an expanding effect on the vessels of the brain (Corinfar, Ardalat, Cordaflex, Lomir, Plendil, etc.).
- Phenylalkylamine derivatives. Group of verapamil. They affect mainly the heart muscle, reducing its contractility. The effect on the vessels is weak (Isoptin, Prokorum, Finoptin).
- Benzothiazinine derivatives. Group diltiazem. The effect of these drugs is lower than that of the first group, but it is evenly distributed to both the heart and the vessels (Dilsem, Cardil).
- Derivatives of diphenylpyrazine. Group of cinnarizine. Most often, these CCBs are prescribed for lesions of the brain vessels (Stugeron, Nomigrain).
In addition, all blockers of slow calcium channels are divided into the first and second generation, and dihydropyridine preparations have a third one. The principal difference between generations is the improvement of medicinal properties and the reduction of undesirable consequences after taking the drug. Also, second and third-generation drugs reduce the daily dose, and they need to be applied only 1-2 times a day. To the blockers of calcium channels of the third generation are such drugs as Amlodipine, Latsidipin, Nimodipine.
Use and contraindications
Acceptance of the BPC is possible only after detailed consultation with the
Each drug has its own clear contraindications, but in general, they are not recommended for use when:
- heart attack;
- cardiogenic shock;
- pregnancy, during the period of feeding;
- childhood;
- individual intolerance;
- heart disease with complications on the kidneys and liver.