Calcium Antagonists are anti-hypertensive drugs

Calcium Antagonists are anti-hypertensive drugs that act by disrupting the movement of calcium through calcium channels to decrease contractility and conductivity of the heart thereby reducing oxygen demand and blood pressure. There are three commonly used calcium antagonists – Verapamil, Nifedipine and Diltiazem. In using these drugs, watch out for side-effects like hypotension, bradycardia, AV block, abdominal discomfort and peripheral edema.