Which of the following are calcium channel blockers used to manage hypertension?

• A. Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil
• B. Lisinopril
• C. Nitroglycerin (NTG)
• D. Eliquis (Apixaban)

Answer: (A)

Calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure by blocking L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation and reduced systemic vascular resistance. The drugs amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil are classic examples of this class. Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine that mainly dilates peripheral arteries, yielding a drop in BP with less effect on heart rate. Diltiazem and verapamil are nondihydropyridines that also slow AV nodal conduction and decrease heart rate, contributing to blood pressure reduction. The other options do not fit this mechanism: lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, nitroglycerin mainly venodilates and is used for angina, and apixaban is an anticoagulant.