Drug of the Day 7 : AMLODIPINE

 Category: Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB – Dihydropyridine)

Used For: Hypertension, Angina

Ideal For: B.Pharm, D.Pharm, Pharm.D

Quick Intro (Engaging)

Ever wondered why doctors prefer Amlodipine for long-term BP control?

Because it works slowly but steadily — keeping blood pressure stable for 24 hours with just one daily dose!

🧬 Pharmacological Class

• Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB)

• Dihydropyridine group

• Causes relaxation of blood vessels

💊 Mechanism of Action (Very Simple)

Amlodipine blocks L-type calcium channels → less calcium enters smooth muscles → vessels relax → blood pressure drops.

🫀 Result:

• Blood flows easily

• Heart workload decreases

• Chest pain (angina) reduces

🩺 Indications

✔ Hypertension (High BP)

✔ Chronic Stable Angina

✔ Vasospastic Angina

✔ Can be used in diabetes & asthma patients (safe option)

💵 Common Brand Names

• Amlopres

• Stamlo

• Amlovas

• Amlodac

(Students always ask this in viva!)

💊 Dose

• 5 mg once daily (usual starting dose)

• 10 mg/day (if BP not controlled)

⚠️ Side Effects (Easy to Remember)

⭐ Pedal edema (most common)

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Flushing

• Fatigue

❌ Contraindications

• Severe hypotension

• Cardiogenic shock

• Known allergy to CCBs

⚠️ Drug Interactions

• Beta blockers → ↑ risk of hypotension

• Grapefruit juice → increases effect

• Simvastatin → dose must be lower

🧪 Pharmacokinetics

• Onset: Slow

• Half-life: 30–50 hours (very long!)

• Duration: 24 hours

• Metabolism: Liver (CYP3A4)

📌 Exam Tips (Very Scoring)

✔ Long half-life = once daily dosing

✔ Least effect on heart rate

✔ Most common AE = Pedal edema

✔ Dihydropyridine CCB (important class question)

🧠 Engagement Question for Students

“What is the most common side effect of Amlodipine?

A) Cough

B) Pedal edema

C) Hypoglycemia

D) Constipation”

(Comment box me answer do)

📚 Conclusion

Amlodipine is a safe, effective, once-daily BP medicine that relaxes blood vessels and reduces angina. High-yield for students and very commonly prescribed in clinical practice.