calcium channel blocker

blocker /block·er/ (blok´er) something that blocks or obstructs passage, activity, etc.

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α-blocker  alpha-adrenergic blocking agent; see adrenergic blocking agent.

β-blocker  beta-adrenergic blocking agent; see adrenergic blocking agent.

calcium channel blocker  calcium channel blocking agent.

potassium channel blocker  potassium channel blocking agent.

sodium channel blocker  sodium channel blocking agent.

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calcium channel blocker

n.

Any of a class of drugs that inhibit movement of calcium ions across a cell membrane, used in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

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Calcium channel blocker

A drug that relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

Mentioned in: Heart Failure, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

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calcium channel blocker,

a drug that inhibits the flow of calcium ions across the membranes of smooth muscle cells. By reduction of the calcium flow, smooth muscle tone is relaxed and the risk of muscle spasms is diminished. Calcium channel blockers are used primarily in the treatment of heart diseases marked by coronary artery spasms (e.g., variant angina).

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calcium (Ca) (kal´sēm),

n a basic element, with an atomic weight of 40.07, found in nearly all organized tissues. Essential for mineralization of bone and teeth. The normal level of it in the blood is 9 to 11.5 mg/100 ml. A deficiency of it in the diet or in use may lead to rickets or osteoporosis. Overexcretion in hyperparathyroidism leads to osteoporotic manifestations. See also factor IV.

calcium binding protein,

n See calmodulin.

calcium, blood,

n See blood calcium.

calcium carbonate,

n brand names: Maalox Antacid, Rolaids Calcium Rich, Tums E-X;
drug class: antacid;
action: neutralizes gastric acidity, supplies calcium;
uses: antacid, calcium supplement.

calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide,

n brand name: Rolaids;
drug class: antacid;
action: neutralizes gastric acidity;
use: antacid.

calcium channel blocker,

n a drug that inhibits the flow of calcium ions across the membranes of smooth muscle cells. The reduction of calcium flow relaxes smooth muscle tone and reduces the risk of muscle spasms. Calcium channel blockers are used in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery spasms.

calcium, dietary,

n the amount of absorbable calcium ingested daily.

calcium fluoride,

n a compound that is used as a flux in the manufacture of some silicate cements.

calcium hydroxide,

n a white powder that is mixed with water or another medium and used as a base material in cavity liners and for pulp capping.

calcium oxalate,

n an insoluble sediment in the urine and urinary calculi.

calcium phosphate,

n an odorless, tasteless white powder, the various forms of which are sometimes used as abrasives in dentifrices.

calcium salts,

n.pl the calcium present in salivary fluid as phosphates and carbonates. They are believed to form dental calculus on their precipitation from saliva.

calcium sulfate,

n See alpha-hemihydrate, beta-hemihydrate, gypsum.

calcium tungstate,

n a chemical substance used in crystal form to coat screens; the screens fluoresce when struck by roentgen rays.

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calcium channel blocker

a drug, such as nifedipine or verapamil, that selectively blocks the influx of calcium ions through a specific ion channel (the slow channel or calcium channel) of cardiac muscle and smooth muscle cells; used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Calcium channel blockers act to control arrhythmias by slowing the rate of sinoatrial (SA) node discharge and the conduction velocity through the atrioventricular (AV) node. Called also calcium blocker, calcium antagonist.

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calcium channel blocker

Calcium channel antagonist Pharmacology An agent that blocks entry of Ca2+ into cells, thereby preventing cell dealth and loss of function due to excess Ca2+; CCBs are used to manage heart conditions and stroke, may be useful for Alzheimer's disease