Effect of methoxyverapamil, diltiazem, morphine and their combination on the formation of irreversibly sickled cells: an in vitro study

The effect of methoxyverapamil and diltiazem [calcium antagonists] and morphine [calcium antagonist activity] on the formation of irreversibly sickled cells [ISCs] was investigated. Methoxyverapamil at therapeutic concentration and 10 times that level resulted in a 12% and 21% reduction in the formation of ISCs respectively, which was statistically significant. Diltiazem also produced a significant reduction in ISCs but morphine produced no significant reduction. Combination of these drugs produced a net effect similar to their individual effects. These drugs might be useful in decreasing the intensity of sickling crises and vaso-occlusive events. Thus in vivo trials in patients with sickle-cell disease are suggested