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Preliminary experience with amlodipine in the pediatric population
Jeffrey Andersen1, Ted Groshong, Joseph D Tobias
1University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri 65212, USA.
American Journal of Therapeutics
|June 15, 2006
Summary
Amlodipine effectively treats hypertension in pediatric patients, significantly reducing blood pressure with minimal side effects. This study highlights its potential as a safe and accessible option for managing high blood pressure in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Hypertension Management
Background:
- Pediatric hypertension is a growing concern with significant long-term health implications.
- Limited treatment options are specifically approved for pediatric hypertension, necessitating research into effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of amlodipine in treating hypertension in pediatric patients.
- To assess the impact of amlodipine on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 32 pediatric patients (4-26 years) with hypertension.
- Amlodipine administered as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensives.
- Dosage adjustments and adverse effects were monitored.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in both systolic (141 to 132 mmHg) and diastolic (84 to 77 mmHg) blood pressure observed.
- Blood pressure normalized to below the 90th percentile for age in 33% of patients for systolic and 52% for diastolic.
- Adverse effects were infrequent (12.5%), with fatigue, dizziness, and ankle edema reported.
Conclusions:
- Amlodipine is an effective and well-tolerated medication for pediatric hypertension.
- Its availability as a suspension enhances its utility in pediatric populations.
- Further research may support amlodipine as a first-line agent in pediatric hypertension management.
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