Non-dihydropyridines are another category of calcium channel blockers distinct from dihydropyridines. They primarily affect the heart's cells, reducing heart rate and contractility, making them effective in treating certain heart conditions. The two main types of non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are verapamil and diltiazem.

Types:

1. Verapamil: It's used to treat a variety of conditions including high blood pressure, angina, and certain types of arrhythmias. It has a more pronounced effect on the heart's conduction system compared to other calcium channel blockers.

2. Diltiazem: Similar to verapamil, diltiazem is used for treating hypertension, angina, and certain cardiac arrhythmias. It is somewhat intermediate between verapamil and the dihydropyridines in its selectivity for vascular versus cardiac calcium channels.

Uses:

Non-dihydropyridines are used for a variety of cardiovascular conditions, often focusing on arrhythmias and other heart-specific conditions due to their effects on cardiac muscle cells and electrical conduction:

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Like dihydropyridines, they can reduce blood pressure, but they do so by decreasing the force of the heart's contraction and slowing down the heart rate, in addition to vasodilation.

2. Angina Pectoris: They decrease the demand of the heart muscle for oxygen by reducing the workload of the heart, thereby relieving angina.

3. Cardiac Arrhythmias: They are particularly useful in supraventricular arrhythmias (arrhythmias originating above the heart's ventricles) like atrial fibrillation or flutter and supraventricular tachycardia, as they can slow down conduction through the atrioventricular node and regulate heart rate.

4. Migraine Prevention: Like dihydropyridines, some non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, particularly verapamil, are used off-label to prevent migraines.

Due to their significant effects on heart rate and contractility, non-dihydropyridines are used with caution, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, such as heart failure or conduction abnormalities. They are also impactful in treating other circulatory system-related conditions but are generally less favored than dihydropyridines for simple hypertension due to their cardiac effects. As with any prescription medication, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate for the patient's specific medical conditions and that their use is monitored for side effects and interactions with other medications.