Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Vascor
Bepridil is a calcium channel blocker with antianginal properties. It belongs to a class of drugs that inhibit the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiac myocytes, resulting in vasodilation and decreased myocardial oxygen demand. Bepridil is unique among calcium channel blockers due to its additional effects on sodium and potassium channels, contributing to its antiarrhythmic properties. It's important to note its association with serious cardiac arrhythmias, leading to restricted use.
Treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris.
Bepridil may cause serious, potentially fatal proarrhythmic effects, including Torsades de Pointes. It should only be used for patients with chronic stable angina who have not responded to other antianginal drugs and are not candidates for revascularization. Electrocardiographic monitoring is essential during treatment.
Outcome:
Increased risk of Torsades de Pointes
Mechanism:
Both drugs prolong the QT interval.
Outcome:
Increased digoxin levels
Mechanism:
Bepridil may inhibit digoxin metabolism.
Outcome:
Reduced bepridil absorption
Mechanism:
Chelation or altered gastric pH.
Most likely new formulation: extended-release formulation to improve patient compliance (Year: 2028, 15% confidence).
Due to its black box warning and limited use, bepridil is unlikely to see expanded indications or increased usage. Less than 1% chance of a new indication being approved within the next 5 years.
Calcium Channel Blocker, Antianginal Agent, Antiarrhythmic Agent
Benzazepinone