Comprehensive Analysis of Amlodipine (DB00381): A Foundational Cardiovascular Therapeutic

Executive Summary

Amlodipine is a third-generation dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) that stands as a cornerstone therapy in cardiovascular medicine. Its clinical utility is anchored in its unique pharmacokinetic profile, characterized by a slow onset of action and a long elimination half-life, which translates to sustained, 24-hour blood pressure control with once-daily dosing and a favorable tolerability profile compared to earlier CCBs. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hypertension, chronic stable angina, and vasospastic angina. Furthermore, it holds a specific indication for reducing the risk of hospitalization for angina and the need for coronary revascularization procedures in patients with documented coronary artery disease (CAD). Its versatility is further demonstrated by its extensive use as a foundational component in numerous fixed-dose combination therapies, targeting multiple facets of cardiovascular risk. This report provides an exhaustive analysis of Amlodipine's chemical properties, pharmacological mechanisms, clinical evidence base, safety profile, and its comparative position within the broader class of antihypertensive agents.

Section 1: Molecular Profile and Pharmaceutical Formulations

1.1 Chemical Identity and Nomenclature

Amlodipine is a small molecule drug classified chemically as a fully substituted dialkyl 1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate derivative.[1] Its identity is precisely defined by established chemical and regulatory identifiers.