Calcium channel blockers , which dilate arteries by reducing calcium flux into cells, effectively lower blood pressure, especially in combination with other drugs, and some formulations of agents of this class are approved for treating angina or cardiac dysrhythmias. Calcium Channel Blockers for High Blood Pressure: Calcium channel blockers are drugs used to lower blood pressure. Learn more about how they work and about their side effects. Overview on calcium channel blockers , in this first part we will discuss their classification, mechanism of action as well as clinical indications. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs), also known as calcium channel antagonists, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are widely used to treat various conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and chronic stable angina. However, despite their widespread use, this class of cardiovascular drugs is one of the primary contributors to drug-related fatalities. CCBs are often classified into 2 major categories—non-dihydropyridines or dihydropyridines. The ...