The authors show that thioridazine possesses calcium antagonist activity
which may relate to its cardiac and sexual side effects. Binding sites
associated with voltage-operated calcium channels were labeled by
3H-nitrendipine. Thioridazine influenced this binding of 3H- nitrendipine
in a fashion similar to known calcium antagonists such as verapamil.
Thioridazine also antagonized potassium-induced, calcium- dependent
contractions of rat vas deferens, with similar potency. Thioridazine
concentrations that exert calcium channel antagonist effects correspond to
blood levels at therapeutic doses.Abstract Teaser