Calcium channel blockade: possible explanation for thioridazine's peripheral side effects

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