Dihydropyridine (DHP) Calcium Channel Blockers

Overview

• Purpose: DHP calcium channel blockers are used for arterial vasodilation to lower blood pressure.
• Clinical Uses: These drugs are primarily used to treat hypertension and angina.

Visual Mnemonic

• Ice Cream Stand (Dippin'Dots):
  • DHP in Dippin'Dots: Reminder of DHP calcium channel blockers.
  • Dipine Ending: All DHP calcium channel blockers end in "dipine" (e.g., amlodipine, nifedipine, felodipine).
  • Lock Blocking Ice Cream: Symbolizes calcium channel blockers (ice cream = calcium).

Mechanism of Action

• Arterial Vasodilation:
  • Blocks calcium entry into blood vessel walls.
  • Results in vessel dilation and decreased blood pressure.
  • Analogy: Like letting go of a garden hose, reducing resistance and pressure.

Clinical Indications

• Hypertension: Lowers high blood pressure via arterial vasodilation.
• Angina (Chest Pain):
  • Symbolized by jogger hitting chest on freezer.
  • Reduces heart's workload and oxygen demand by decreasing blood pressure.

Side Effects

• Peripheral Edema: Leaking ice cream symbolizes edema (fluid leaks from vessels).
• Flushing: Runner's red face represents flushing due to increased blood flow to superficial skin.
• Reflex Tachycardia: Jogger’s fast heart rate as body's response to lowered blood pressure.
• Headache: Brain freeze symbolizes potential headache from DHP calcium channel blockers.

Dietary Considerations

• Avoid Grapefruit Juice: Prevents drug breakdown in liver, may cause severe hypotension.

Summary

• Medications: Amlodipine, nifedipine, felodipine.
• Function: Causes arterial vasodilation to reduce blood pressure.
• Uses: Treats hypertension and angina.
• Side Effects: Peripheral edema, flushing, reflex tachycardia, headache.
• Dietary Caution: Avoid grapefruit juice to prevent increased drug levels.