Amlodipine

Question 1

What class is amlodipine?

Answer 1

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB)

Question 2

What are the common indications for amlodipine?

Answer 2

• Prophylaxis of angina

* Hypertension

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of amlodipine?

Answer 3

Interferes with the inward displacement of calcium ions through slow channels of active cell membranes - influence myocardial cells, cells in the conducting system of heart and vascular smooth muscle cells.

So can reduce myocardial contractility, reduce the formation and propagation of electrical impulses and reduce coronary or system vascular tone.

Has more effect on vasculature than the heart

Has a longer half life than other CCBs

Question 4

What are the important adverse reactions of amlodipine?

Answer 4

• Vasodilation - ankle swelling, flushing, headaches

* Compensatory tachycardia - palpitations

Question 5

What are the important drug-drug interactions with amlodipine?

Answer 5

Increased risk of hypotension - other antihypertensive medications e.g. beta and alpha blockers, etc

+ Simvastatin
Increases the effect of the statin