What effect does Verapamil Hydrochloride have on the myocardium?

Study for the 2PD Top 200 Drugs Anti-Infectives and Cardiovascular Agents Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Verapamil Hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker primarily used for treating hypertension and certain types of cardiac arrhythmias. Its action on the myocardium involves the modulation of calcium influx into cardiac muscle cells. By blocking the calcium channels, Verapamil decreases the influx of calcium, which results in a reduction of myocardial contractility (the force of heart muscle contraction).

When it comes to myocardial oxygen delivery, Verapamil is beneficial as it helps to relax blood vessels, leading to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. This vasodilation results in increased blood flow to the myocardium, thereby enhancing myocardial oxygen delivery, especially in conditions like angina.

The other options do not reflect the pharmacological effects of Verapamil accurately. While Verapamil does not increase heart rate, it may actually decrease it due to its negative chronotropic effects. It does not decrease blood flow; instead, it helps improve it by reducing vascular resistance. Finally, the drug does not increase calcium influx; it reduces it, resulting in decreased myocardial contractility and relaxation of the heart. Hence, the correct answer relating to Verapamil's effect on the myocardium is the increase in myocardial oxygen delivery.

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