Table 1. Summary of the antihypertensive actions, pharmacokinetics and side effects of four generations of DHP CCBs.

DHP CCBs	First generation	Second generation	Third generation	Fourth generation
Antihypertensive actions:
L-type Ca channel block	+++	+++	++	++
N-type Ca channel block	−	−	−	+
Onset	Rapid	Gradual	Slow	Slow
Strength	Strong	Strong	Strong	Strong
Duration	Short-acting	Moderate	Long-lasting	Long-lasting
Renoprotection	−	−	+	++
Vasodilation	+++	+++	+++	+++
Sympathoexcitation	+++	++	+	−
Blood norepinephrine	↑	↑	−	−
Tolerated	Badly	Badly	Well	Well
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life, h	2	7	10–36	7.5–10
Lipophilic	+	+	++	+++
Side-effects
Hypotension	+	+	+	+
Tachycardia	+++	++		−
Headache	+++	++	+
Flushing	+++	++	+	+
Edema	++	++	+	−

CCB: calcium channel blocker; DHP: dihydropyridine. +: strong; ++: very strong; +++: strongest.