Calcium channel blockers
Two families, two jobs
Every generic name in this class ends in -dipine. High blood pressure and chest pain; the non-dihydropyridines also slow certain fast heart rhythms.
Keeps calcium out of muscle cells in blood vessels and the heart, so both relax.
The 4 calcium channel blockers in the PTCB Top 200
| Generic | Brand | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Amlodipine | Norvasc | hypertension, angina |
| Diltiazem | Cardizem | afib, hypertension, angina |
| Nifedipine | Procardia | hypertension, angina |
| Verapamil | Calan | afib, hypertension, angina |
Tap any generic name for its full drug guide — brand↔generic, side effects, interactions and the exam tip.
What to know for the exam
- check_circleThe dihydropyridines end in -dipine and mainly relax blood vessels.
- check_circleDiltiazem and verapamil are the non-dihydropyridines — they also slow the heart.
- check_circleAnkle swelling is a common, dose-related effect of the -dipine group.
- check_circleGrapefruit juice interacts with several members of this class.
Extended-release tablets in this class must be swallowed whole — crushing one releases the full dose at once.
-dipine is the dihydropyridine cue. Diltiazem and verapamil break the suffix pattern and behave differently.
Drill calcium channel blockers the way the PTCE asks them
RxReflex groups the Top 200 drugs into classes like this one, then quizzes you on brand↔generic, class, side effects and interactions. Plus a guided Learn path, pharmacy math and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Frequently asked
What does the suffix -dipine mean? add
A generic drug name ending in -dipine identifies it as one of the calcium channel blockers. High blood pressure and chest pain; the non-dihydropyridines also slow certain fast heart rhythms.
What drugs are in the calcium channel blockers class? add
Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil. All are in the PTCB Top 200.
What are calcium channel blockers used for? add
High blood pressure and chest pain; the non-dihydropyridines also slow certain fast heart rhythms.
How do calcium channel blockers work? add
Keeps calcium out of muscle cells in blood vessels and the heart, so both relax.
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. For education only — not medical advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the PTCB.