Amlodipine

 Amlodipine – Full Introduction

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) of the dihydropyridine class, widely used in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. It works by relaxing blood vessels, improving blood flow, and reducing the workload on the heart.

Drug Class

• Calcium Channel Blocker (Dihydropyridine)

Mechanism of Action

Amlodipine inhibits the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. Calcium is essential for muscle contraction; by blocking its entry, amlodipine:

• Causes vasodilation of peripheral arteries

• Reduces peripheral vascular resistance

• Lowers blood pressure

• Improves oxygen supply to the heart

It has minimal effect on heart rate and cardiac conduction compared to non-dihydropyridine CCBs.

Therapeutic Uses

• Hypertension

• Chronic stable angina

• Vasospastic (Prinzmetal’s) angina

• Coronary artery disease

• Prevention of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients

Benefits

• Long duration of action (once-daily dosing)

• Effective blood pressure control

• Improves exercise tolerance in angina

• Safe in patients with asthma and diabetes

• Well tolerated for long-term therapy

Common Side Effects

• Peripheral edema (ankle swelling)

• Headache

• Flushing

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

Serious but Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension

• Reflex tachycardia

• Gingival hyperplasia

• Worsening of angina (rare)

Contraindications & Precautions

• Severe hypotension

• Cardiogenic shock

• Severe aortic stenosis

• Use with caution in liver disease and heart failure

Conclusion

Amlodipine is a first-line antihypertensive and antianginal agent known for its efficacy, long half-life, and good safety profile. It is especially useful in patients requiring consistent blood pressure control with minimal cardiac conduction effects.