Selecting a calcium channel-blocking agent.

The three currently available channel-blocking agents, nifedipine (Adalat), diltiazem (Cardiazem), and verapamil (Isoptin), are all useful in treating a number of cardiovascular disorders, especially ischemic heart disease. Although they have a common mechanism of action, their cardiovascular effects and pharmacological properties differ considerably. Each drug, consequently, has specific clinical indications; these drugs are not easily interchangeable. Understanding their properties and effects allows the physician to choose the particular drug most suited to the patient's needs.