Recently, a new class of drugs, the calcium entry blockers, has been introduced into clinical medicine for the treatment of certain cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac dysrhythmias and hypertension. Because the calcium ion is important in neuromuscular transmission and overall cardiovascular homeostasis, the effects of these drugs in the anesthetized patient must be considered with respect to potentially hazardous drug interactions.To provide the reader with an awareness of these potential hazards, our contributors have been asked to express opinions and personal experiences regarding patients who are undergoing chronic therapy with drugs such as nifedipine and verapamil. L. W. Fabian, M.D.St. Louis, Missouri