Potassium channel opener
Encyclopedia
A potassium channel opener is a type of drug
which facilitates ion
transmission through potassium channel
s.
Some examples include:
Drug
A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.In pharmacology, a...
which facilitates ion
Ion
An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge. The name was given by physicist Michael Faraday for the substances that allow a current to pass between electrodes in a...
transmission through potassium channel
Potassium channel
In the field of cell biology, potassium channels are the most widely distributed type of ion channel and are found in virtually all living organisms. They form potassium-selective pores that span cell membranes...
s.
Some examples include:
- DiazoxideDiazoxideDiazoxide is a potassium channel activator, which causes local relaxation in smooth muscle by increasing membrane permeability to potassium ions...
vasodilator used for hypertension, smooth muscle relaxing activity - MinoxidilMinoxidilMinoxidil is an antihypertensive vasodilator medication which also slows or stops hair loss and promotes hair regrowth. Now off-patent, it is available over-the-counter for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Minoxidil must be used indefinitely for continued support of existing hair follicles and...
vasodilator used for hypertension, also used to treat hair loss - NicorandilNicorandilNicorandil is a vasodilatory drug used to treat angina. It is marketed under the trade names Ikorel , Dancor , Nikoran , Aprior , Nitorubin and Sigmart...
vasodilator used to treat angina - PinacidilPinacidilPinacidil is a cyanoguanidine drug that opens ATP-sensitive potassium channels producing peripheral vasodilatation of arterioles. It reduces blood pressure and peripheral resistance and produces fluid retention....
- RetigabineRetigabineRetigabine or ezogabine , codenamed D-23129, is an anticonvulsant used as a treatment for partial epilepsies. The drug was developed by Valeant Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline...
, an anticonvulsant - FlupirtineFlupirtineFlupirtine is an aminopyridine that functions as a centrally acting non-opioid analgesic. It first became available in Europe in 1984, and is sold mainly under the names Katadolon, Trancolong, Awegal, Efiret, Trancopal Dolo, and Metanor. Flupirtine is available as "Pruf",Snepdol in India...
, analgesic with muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties