Amlodipine's Clinical Applications and Pharmacological Properties

Mechanism of Action and Vasodilatory Effects

Amlodipine and nifedipine have the most pronounced peripheral arterial dilatory effects among calcium channel blockers, according to the American College of Cardiology 1, 2
Calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine, vary in their effects on peripheral vasodilation, myocardial contractility, and cardiac conduction, as noted by the American College of Cardiology 2

The American Heart Association acknowledges that rapid-release, short-acting dihydropyridines, such as nifedipine, should be avoided without concomitant beta-blockade due to increased adverse potential, as stated in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2
Calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine, do not improve survival in patients with chronic stable angina with or without myocardial infarction, according to Nature Reviews Cardiology 3
In patients with erythromelalgia, calcium channel blockers may worsen symptoms, and discontinuation has resulted in symptom resolution in several patients, as reported in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 4

Amlodipine is well tolerated by patients with mild left ventricular dysfunction, unlike verapamil and diltiazem, which should be avoided in patients with pulmonary edema or severe left ventricular dysfunction, as noted by the American College of Cardiology 1, 2