Verapamil is classified as which type of medication?

Verapamil is classified as a calcium channel blocker. This class of medication works by inhibiting the influx of calcium through voltage-gated calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle. By doing so, verapamil effectively reduces the contraction of the heart muscle and the tone of smooth muscles in the vascular system. This leads to decreased heart rate, lower blood pressure, and less oxygen demand by the heart.

Calcium channel blockers like verapamil are particularly useful in managing conditions such as hypertension, angina, and certain arrhythmias. They help to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, which can alleviate chest pain and lower blood pressure.

Other classes of medications, such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and loop diuretics, work through different mechanisms and would not be correctly classified as verapamil is. Beta blockers primarily reduce the heart rate and myocardial contractility through action on beta-adrenergic receptors, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, and loop diuretics promote diuresis by acting on the renal system.