Furnidipine

Furnidipine is a calcium channel blocker used primarily in the management of hypertension and angina pectoris. It belongs to the class of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, which are known for their ability to selectively inhibit the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels in the vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle.

Pharmacology

Furnidipine works by inhibiting the L-type calcium channels, which are responsible for the contraction of vascular smooth muscle. By blocking these channels, furnidipine causes vasodilation, leading to a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and a subsequent reduction in blood pressure. This mechanism also helps in reducing the workload on the heart, making it effective in treating angina.

Pharmacokinetics

Furnidipine is well absorbed after oral administration, but it undergoes significant first-pass metabolism in the liver, which affects its bioavailability. The drug is highly protein-bound, and its metabolites are primarily excreted via the kidneys. The elimination half-life of furnidipine allows for once-daily dosing, which can improve patient compliance.

Clinical Use

Furnidipine is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and chronic stable angina. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics.

Side Effects

Common side effects of furnidipine include headache, dizziness, flushing, and peripheral edema. These are typical of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers and are generally mild and transient. Serious side effects are rare but can include hypotension and reflex tachycardia.

Contraindications

Furnidipine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dihydropyridine derivatives. Caution is advised in patients with severe aortic stenosis, unstable angina, or recent myocardial infarction.

Drug Interactions

Furnidipine may interact with other medications that affect blood pressure, such as other antihypertensives, leading to an additive hypotensive effect. It may also interact with CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, affecting its metabolism and plasma levels.

Research and Development

Research on furnidipine has focused on its efficacy in lowering blood pressure and its potential benefits in cardiovascular protection. Studies have also explored its role in combination therapy for resistant hypertension.

Also see

• Calcium channel blocker
• Hypertension
• Angina pectoris
• Dihydropyridine