verapamil
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A calcium channel blocker medication: Verapamil is a prescription drug belonging to the class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate to improve blood flow and reduce the heart's workload.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The doctor prescribed verapamil to manage her high blood pressure.
- Verapamil is sometimes used to prevent migraine headaches.
- Patients taking verapamil should have their blood pressure monitored regularly.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical Context: In medical literature, is specifically described as a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, distinguishing it from other types like amlodipine. It is noted for its effects on both cardiac and vascular smooth muscle.
- Verapamil is effective in controlling supraventricular tachycardias due to its action on the atrioventricular node.
Variants and Related Words
- Calan®: A common brand name for verapamil.
- Isoptin®: Another common brand name for verapamil.
- Calcium channel blocker (CCB): The therapeutic class of drugs to which verapamil belongs.
Synonyms
- Calcium antagonist: An older, less specific term for calcium channel blockers like verapamil.
Related Terms (Medical Context)
- Antiarrhythmic: A type of drug used to treat irregular heartbeats; verapamil has antiarrhythmic properties.
- Antianginal: A drug used to prevent or relieve angina (chest pain); verapamil is used for this purpose.
- Antihypertensive: A drug used to treat high blood pressure; this is a primary use for verapamil.
Noun
- a drug (trade names Calan and Isoptin) used as an oral or parenteral calcium blocker in cases of hypertension or congestive heart failure or angina or migraine