Which dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker can be used to treat kidney stones?

Nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, is particularly effective in treating kidney stones, specifically in cases involving ureteral stones. The mechanism through which nifedipine provides relief is related to its ability to relax smooth muscles in the ureter. By doing so, it helps facilitate the passage of stones through the urinary tract, potentially reducing pain and the time it takes for the stone to be expelled.

In contrast, while amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil are also calcium channel blockers, they are not typically used for the management of kidney stones. Amlodipine is primarily used for hypertension and angina, diltiazem is often prescribed for cardiac conditions such as atrial fibrillation and hypertension, and verapamil is predominantly utilized for similar cardiovascular issues. Therefore, their applications do not align with the treatment of ureteral stones or the relief of the associated symptoms. This makes nifedipine the most suitable choice for patients suffering from kidney stones.