barnidipine

Barnidipine is a long-acting, highly lipophilic calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine (DHP) class, used primarily for the treatment of hypertension. It acts as a selective antagonist of L-type calcium channels, particularly those found in vascular smooth muscle cells. By inhibiting these channels, barnidipine reduces peripheral vascular resistance through vasodilation without significantly affecting heart rate or metabolic parameters such as serum lipids or glucose. The drug is administered orally in modified-release formulations and demonstrates a slow onset and prolonged duration of action due to its high affinity for the inactivated state of L-type calcium channels and its accumulation within cell membranes. Barnidipine was originally developed by Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical and is marketed under various brand names including Vasexten and Hypoca[1][2][4][5][6].

Brand names

VasextenHypoca

Other names

mepirodipinebarnidipine hydrochloride