What type of drug is indicated by the suffix '-dipine'?

The suffix '-dipine' is specifically indicated for a class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. These drugs are primarily used to manage hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). They work by preventing calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, which leads to relaxation of the blood vessels, decreasing heart workload, and improving blood flow.

This class of medication includes commonly used drugs such as amlodipine and nifedipine, which highlight the characteristic of the '-dipine' suffix. Understanding this nomenclature is crucial for distinguishing these drugs from other classes, like ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, or antidepressants, which have different mechanisms of action and health implications.