What classification does Isradipine belong to?

Isradipine is classified as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. This classification relates to its chemical structure and pharmacological effects. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers primarily work by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac tissue, leading to vasodilation and subsequently lowering blood pressure.

Isradipine specifically is used in the management of hypertension and angina, and it is effective due to its ability to relax arterial blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow and reducing the workload on the heart. The dihydropyridine class is characterized by a distinct chemical structure that contributes to its selective action on vascular tissues rather than cardiac tissues, which is a critical point in distinguishing it from non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers that have more central effects on cardiac contraction and conduction.