The pharmacological basis and pathophysiological significance of the heart rate-lowering property of diltiazem.

Article Details

Citation

O'Connor SE, Grosset A, Janiak P

The pharmacological basis and pathophysiological significance of the heart rate-lowering property of diltiazem.

Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 1999;13(2):145-53.

PubMed ID
10226758 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

The calcium channel blocker diltiazem lowers heart rate in man and this property probably contributes to its clinical effectiveness in ischaemic heart disease and hypertension. This review examines the pharmacological basis of diltiazem's heart rate-lowering activity and considers its pathophysiological significance. The points discussed include the potent direct inhibitory effect of diltiazem on the sinus node and the frequency-dependence of this action. In addition, the well-balanced tissue selectivity profile of diltiazem and its ability to modulate cardiac reflex responsiveness contribute by counteracting the potential for reflex tachycardia.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs
Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
DiltiazemVoltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1CProteinHumans
Yes
Blocker
Details