TREATMENT OF ACUTE HYPERTENSION - PHARMACOLOGICAL ISSUES

Despite the similarity in the cellular mechanism of action among calci um channel blockers, they differ in potency, cardiovascular properties , and pharmacokinetics. Among calcium channel blockers, the dihydropyr idine-type agents have greater vascular specificity and antihypertensi ve effects. Nicardipine, an example of an intravenous dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, also has favorable pharmacokinetic and pharma codynamic characteristics, which allow easy titration and monitoring o f antihypertensive effect. This article reviews the characteristics of calcium channel blockers and their relevance for the treatment of acu te hypertension.