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Amlodipine: a new calcium antagonist
G A Clavijo1, I V de Clavijo, C W Weart
1Broward Family Health Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, effectively treats hypertension and angina with a long duration of action. It is well-tolerated and may benefit patients with heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist.
- It is a potent vasodilator with selectivity for vascular smooth muscle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and adverse effects of amlodipine.
- To assess amlodipine's role in treating hypertension, angina, and heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on amlodipine.
- Analysis of clinical trial data regarding efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- Amlodipine provides 24-hour control of hypertension and angina with once-daily dosing.
- It has a long half-life (36-45 hours) and minimal effects on cardiac contractility.
- No significant drug interactions or adverse effects on glucose/lipid levels were observed; peripheral edema is the most common side effect.
Conclusions:
- Amlodipine is effective and well-tolerated for hypertension and angina, alone or combined with other drugs.
- It may offer advantages over other calcium channel blockers in patients with heart failure.