From the Guidelines
Amlodipine belongs to the drug class of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), specifically the dihydropyridine subclass. This medication works by blocking calcium channels in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, preventing calcium from entering these cells. This action causes the blood vessels to relax and dilate, which reduces blood pressure and decreases the workload on the heart. Amlodipine is primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart) 1.
The typical starting dose is 5 mg once daily, which may be increased to a maximum of 10 mg daily if needed, as seen in the study by 1. Amlodipine has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing, and it can be taken with or without food. Common side effects include peripheral edema (swelling in the ankles and feet), headache, flushing, and dizziness. Unlike some other calcium channel blockers, amlodipine has minimal effects on heart rate and cardiac conduction, making it generally safer for patients with certain heart conditions 1.
Some key points to consider when prescribing amlodipine include:
- Monitoring renal function, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease, as amlodipine may have renoprotective effects when paired with angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) 1
- Using amlodipine with caution in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction, as it may worsen heart failure 1
- Avoiding the use of rapid-release, short-acting dihydropyridines, such as nifedipine, in the absence of concomitant beta blockade due to increased adverse potential 1
Overall, amlodipine is a commonly used and effective medication for the treatment of hypertension and angina, with a favorable safety profile when used appropriately.
From the FDA Drug Label
Amlodipine besylate is a type of medicine known as a calcium channel blocker (CCB). Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist (calcium ion antagonist or slow-channel blocker) The drug class of amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker.
From the Research
Drug Class of Amlodipine
- Amlodipine is classified as a calcium channel blocker, specifically a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker 3, 4, 5.
- Calcium channel blockers are a heterogeneous group of antihypertensive drugs that reduce the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with uncontrolled hypertension, including stroke 5.
- Amlodipine is a longer-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, effective for 24-hour blood pressure control and causing no blood pressure variability 3.
- The drug class of amlodipine is further characterized by its ability to attenuate morning blood pressure rise in hypertensive patients, providing an advantage in controlling morning blood pressure and mitigating reflex activation of the sympathetic nervous system 6.
Combination Therapy
- Amlodipine is often used in combination with other agents, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers, to provide effective blood pressure-lowering strategies in cardiovascular risk reduction and progression of renal disease 3, 7.
- The combination of an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker, such as amlodipine, is considered an optimal combination for the treatment of hypertension, providing an additional antihypertensive effect while minimizing the probability of adverse effects related to the dose of antihypertensive 7.