Amlodipine

Definition

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that is primarily used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. This makes it a vital medication in managing cardiovascular conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Amlodipine is taken orally and has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing, which improves patient compliance.
2. It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents to achieve better blood pressure control.
3. Common side effects include swelling of the ankles, flushing, and palpitations, which are generally mild and resolve on their own.
4. Unlike some other antihypertensive drugs, amlodipine does not cause reflex tachycardia, making it a preferred choice for patients with certain cardiovascular issues.
5. Patients should be monitored for their blood pressure response and any signs of side effects after starting treatment with amlodipine.

Review Questions

• How does amlodipine's mechanism of action as a calcium channel blocker contribute to its effectiveness in treating hypertension?
  • Amlodipine's mechanism as a calcium channel blocker allows it to inhibit calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle cells. This leads to relaxation and dilation of the blood vessels, resulting in decreased peripheral resistance. By effectively lowering systemic vascular resistance, amlodipine helps reduce blood pressure, making it an effective treatment for hypertension.
• Compare the benefits and potential side effects of amlodipine with another common antihypertensive medication.
  • Compared to ACE inhibitors like lisinopril, amlodipine offers the benefit of once-daily dosing due to its long half-life. While both medications effectively lower blood pressure, amlodipine may cause peripheral edema as a common side effect, whereas lisinopril may lead to cough due to increased bradykinin levels. This difference can influence the choice of medication based on patient tolerance and specific health conditions.
• Evaluate the role of amlodipine in a comprehensive management plan for patients with both hypertension and angina.
  • In managing patients with both hypertension and angina, amlodipine plays a crucial role due to its dual action in reducing blood pressure and relieving chest pain. As a calcium channel blocker, it decreases cardiac workload while enhancing coronary blood flow, thus alleviating angina symptoms. Incorporating amlodipine into a patient's treatment plan can lead to improved cardiovascular outcomes by effectively controlling both elevated blood pressure and anginal episodes while minimizing adverse reactions typically associated with other drug classes.

Related terms

Calcium Channel Blocker: A class of medications that prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, leading to reduced heart contractions and relaxation of blood vessels.

Hypertension: A chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, which can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

Angina: A type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, often triggered by physical activity or stress.