amlodipine(Norvasc, Katerzia (oral suspension))
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (DHP CCB)
Pronunciation
/æmˈloʊdɪpiːn/ Mechanism of action Blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing peripheral arterial vasodilation. Reduces systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. Has minimal effect on cardiac contractility or AV conduction at therapeutic doses (unlike non-DHPs verapamil/diltiazem). Also dilates coronary arteries (anti-anginal effect) \\[1\\]. Standard dosing -/
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At a glance
- Generic name
- amlodipine
- Brand names
- Norvasc, Katerzia (oral suspension)
- Therapeutic class
- Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (DHP CCB)
- Mechanism (summary)
- Blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing peripheral arterial vasodilation. Reduces systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. Has minimal effect on cardiac contractility or AV conduction at therapeutic doses (unlike non-DHPs verapamil/diltiazem)....
Clinical pearls
- Take at the same time each day; can be taken with or without food.
- Ankle swelling is common and usually not dangerous --- it\\'s not
- from extra fluid, so water pills don\\'t help much. Tell your
- prescriber if it\\'s bothering you; sometimes adding an ACE inhibitor
- or ARB reduces it.
Sources
See how amlodipine appears in NAPLEX-style questions
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