verapamil

ACE inhibitors are many times given to diabetics (esp. NIDDM) for renal protection....not simply because they're renal friendly (whats that mean?). It's been observed (and various studies done) that suggest certain ACE inhibitors (some are apparently a smidge better than others) are beneficial in that they can prevent the development of renal issues in diabetics. If a person is diabetic for several years(decades?), they're bound to develope renal insufficiency/failure. ACEi's can postpone or even prevent this from happening (according to the studies).

I'm unsure of the exact mechanism behind this, but i'm sure you can find lots of info on the net if you search for a bit.

If i were diabeteic, and i had to be one an antihypertensive, i'd choose an ACE, for this reason alone.

(also, if a pt has already developed significant renal insufficiency/failure, ACEi's should be taken with caution or even discontinued as they're notorious for causing hyperkalemia...so in this sense, they're very renal un-friendly)

i was prescribed verapermil for migraines also, was confused at first becaus ei was told is usually used to control blood pressure, but i understand now