Shoest acting calcium channel blocker ?
**Core Concept**
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a class of medications that inhibit the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and reduced cardiac contractility. They are used to treat conditions like hypertension, angina, and certain heart arrhythmias. The duration of action of CCBs varies, with some being short-acting and others long-acting.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The shortest-acting calcium channel blocker is Gallopamil (Gallopine), but it is not commonly used. However, one of the options is a well-known short-acting CCB. Verapamil is a non-dihydropyridine CCB with a relatively short duration of action, but it is not the shortest. Another option, **Nifedipine (C)**, is a dihydropyridine CCB with a short duration of action, typically lasting around 4-6 hours. This makes it suitable for immediate release formulations to treat acute hypertension or angina.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not a calcium channel blocker.
**Option B:** This option is a long-acting calcium channel blocker.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that CCBs can be broadly classified into dihydropyridine (short-acting) and non-dihydropyridine (long-acting) subtypes. Understanding the pharmacological differences between these subtypes can help you choose the most suitable medication for a given patient.
**Correct Answer: C. Nifedipine**