Pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic comparison of antianginal agents.

Calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and beta blockers are the primary agents used for the treatment of angina. Calcium has a central role in excitation-contraction, action potential generation, and ischemic cell death. The three currently available calcium antagonists are nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. Second-generation agents are in development, and a classification system of calcium channel blockers is used to place the currently available agents and those on the horizon in perspective. Nitrate pharmacology and pharmacodynamics are possibly related to nitrate tolerance; however, this is a matter of some controversy. The beta blockers are all equally effective in the treatment of angina; therefore, drug selection is based on ancillary properties.