Which drugs are rate-control calcium channel blockers?

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Multiple Choice

Which drugs are rate-control calcium channel blockers?

Rate control in tachyarrhythmias relies on slowing AV nodal conduction to reduce the ventricular rate. Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers—verapamil and diltiazem—block L-type calcium channels in the AV node, markedly slowing conduction and lowering the ventricular response in atrial fibrillation or flutter. In contrast, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine and amlodipine mainly dilate peripheral arteries and have little effect on AV nodal conduction, so they aren’t used for rate control. The option listing both verapamil and diltiazem reflects the two drugs with this AV-nodal–slowing effect, making it the correct choice. Saying diltiazem only would miss verapamil’s similar action.

Rate control in tachyarrhythmias relies on slowing AV nodal conduction to reduce the ventricular rate. Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers—verapamil and diltiazem—block L-type calcium channels in the AV node, markedly slowing conduction and lowering the ventricular response in atrial fibrillation or flutter. In contrast, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine and amlodipine mainly dilate peripheral arteries and have little effect on AV nodal conduction, so they aren’t used for rate control. The option listing both verapamil and diltiazem reflects the two drugs with this AV-nodal–slowing effect, making it the correct choice. Saying diltiazem only would miss verapamil’s similar action.

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