Which medication is an example of a non-dihydropyridine CCB?

Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) include medications that primarily affect the heart and have a more pronounced effect on heart rate and contractility compared to dihydropyridine CCBs, which mainly target vascular smooth muscle. Diltiazem is classified as a non-dihydropyridine CCB, and it is commonly used in the treatment of hypertension, angina, and certain types of arrhythmias due to its ability to slow down heart rate and reduce myocardial oxygen demand.

Diltiazem works by blocking calcium channels in the myocardial and vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and decreased cardiac output. This mechanism of action distinguishes it from the dihydropyridine CCBs, which primarily induce vasodilation without significantly affecting cardiac contractility or heart rate. Therefore, identifying diltiazem as the correct example of a non-dihydropyridine CCB highlights its role in cardiac-related pharmacotherapy.

In contrast, amlodipine, nifedipine, and felodipine are all examples of dihydropyridine CCBs, which are primarily utilized for their peripheral vasodilatory effects rather than direct action on the heart.