Calcium Antagonists

This thoroughly revised and expanded new edition presents the current state of knowledge of the diverse applications of calcium antagonists and makes recommendations about their appropriate use. New sections have been added on Clinical Pharmacology and Metabolic Effects. Sixteen new chapters have been added on such topics as Pharmacogenetics of Hypertension: Using Gene Markers to Infer Pathogenesis and Guide Therapy, New Pharmacologic Directions for Calcium Channel Blockers, Calcium Channel Blocker Use in End-Stage Renal Disease: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, and many others. Significantly expanded from previous edition with 16 new chapters on hot topics A comprehensive reexamination of the safety of calcium antagonists in light of many newly reported clinical trials Elucidates the evolving role of calcium antagonists in the antihypertensive armamentarium, especially in the patient with diabetes Explores beneficial effects of calcium antagonists in attenuating atherosclerosis in the context of newly reported clinical trials, including ELSA. Written by world-renowned experts in the field Emphasizes evidence-based studies New chapters have been added on such topics as Pharmacogenetics of Hypertension: Using Gene Markers to Infer Pathogenesis and Guide Therapy, New Pharmacologic Directions for Calcium Channel Blockers, Calcium Channel Blocker Use in End-Stage Renal Disease: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics.

Calcium antagonists are now regarded as the most important advance in cardiac drug therapy since the advent of beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Acting ba sically as vasodilators-though with many other com plex mechanisms especially in the case of the anti arrhythmic calcium antagonists, these agents have grown in importance to become among the therapeutic agents of first choice for angina pectoris and hyper tension. The major aim of the present book is to present the clinician with the information needed for the practical use of calcium antagonists. What do all the numerous and often conflicting trials say? Do these agents really work? If so, which agent and in what dose? How do the three front runners, verapamil, nifedipine and diltia zem compare in the efficacy and side-effects with each other? How do the new second generation agents, now entering the North American market, slot in and com pare with the three first-liners? When the gloss is taken away from the advertisements, what is really left? The strong clinical bias of the present book should be complimented by further reading of books slanted towards fundamentals. One of the most important and recent of these is that by Dr Winifred Nayler (Calcium Antagonists, Academic Press, 1988). That book should be basic for essential background knowledge in the area of calcium antagonists. The important basic contribu tions of Fleckenstein deserve emphasis.

The main effect of calcium channel blockers is the blockade of calcium entry into cells through voltage operated calcium channels. This volume gives a comprehensive overview of the different classes of CCBs and their various effects. It covers historical development, pharmacology, clinical aspects, and perspectives. All chapters are written by Prof. T. Godfraind, a world leading expert in the field.

Written by the foremost authority in the field, this volume is a comprehensive review of the multifaceted phenomenon of hepatotoxicity. Dr. Zimmerman examines the interface between chemicals and the liver; the latest research in experimental hepatotoxicology; the hepatotoxic risks of household, industrial, and environmental chemicals; and the adverse effects of drugs on the liver. This thoroughly revised, updated Second Edition features a greatly expanded section on the wide variety of drugs that can cause liver injury. For quick reference, an appendix lists these medications and their associated hepatic injuries. Also included are in-depth discussions of drug metabolism and factors affecting susceptibility to liver injury.

Calcium antagonists are now regarded as the most important advance in cardiac drug therapy since the advent of beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Acting ba sically as vasodilators-though with many other com plex mechanisms especially in the case of the anti arrhythmic calcium antagonists, these agents have grown in importance to become among the therapeutic agents of first choice for angina pectoris and hyper tension. The major aim of the present book is to present the clinician with the information needed for the practical use of calcium antagonists. What do all the numerous and often conflicting trials say? Do these agents really work? If so, which agent and in what dose? How do the three front runners, verapamil, nifedipine and diltia zem compare in the efficacy and side-effects with each other? How do the new second generation agents, now entering the North American market, slot in and com pare with the three first-liners? When the gloss is taken away from the advertisements, what is really left? The strong clinical bias of the present book should be complimented by further reading of books slanted towards fundamentals. One of the most important and recent of these is that by Dr Winifred Nayler (Calcium Antagonists, Academic Press, 1988). That book should be basic for essential background knowledge in the area of calcium antagonists. The important basic contribu tions of Fleckenstein deserve emphasis.

This volume critically and objectively analyses the literature up to 1989 and presents a guide to the practical use of all calcium antagonists which have been thoroughly investigated to date. It begins with a concise review of physiological principles as a basis for a discussion of the general and specific pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of calcium antagonists. Special emphasis is given to their therapeutic use in practice, precise dosage schedules are provided, interactions with other medications described, and therapeutic alternatives considered.

Although the importance of calcium (Ca2+) in the maintenance of cardiac contractility was recognized as early as 1880, the critical role of the ion in the contractile process in skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle has only been established within the last three decades. As the complexity of the pharmacological actions of the Ca2+ channel inhibitors grows, there is a continued need to further clarify the inhibitors, both chemically and functionally. This volume provides an update of the field based on the work presented at the 5th International Symposium on Calcium Antagonists: Pharmacology and Clinical Research. It reviews the current state of the growing area of molecular biology of Ca2+ channels. In the cardiovascular area, in addition to the well-established clinical uses of Ca2+ channel inhibitors, exciting new work pointing to an application in atherosclerosis is described. The book also includes important uses of Ca2+ antagonists in novel areas of interest such as the gastrointestinal tract, renal protection and multi-drug resistance.

Featuring more than 4100 references, Drug-Induced Liver Disease will be an invaluable reference for gastroenterologists, hepatologists, family physicians, internists, pathologists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, and clinical toxicologists, and graduate and medical school students in these disciplines.