Bepridil is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers are often used to treat
high blood pressure, certain abnormal heartbeats (
arrhythmias), congestive
heart failure, and chest pain (angina). They do this by decreasing the flow of calcium into the heart and other muscles.
There is concern that this type of drug may build up in the
blood supply and reach toxic levels, especially if taken with grapefruit juice.
A recent study of calcium channel blocker use in women found that postmenopausal patients using the short-acting forms of these medications were at nearly twice the risk of developing breast
cancer as other women. In particular danger were women who also used a form of
estrogen replacement therapy while using calcium channel blockers.
See Also
- Heart Failure Drugs: Overview
- Cancer