Paper I
Question
Amlodipine
Answer
Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.
MOA: amlodipine → blocks L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels → ↓Ca²⁺ entry into vascular smooth muscle → arteriolar vasodilation, ↓peripheral resistance. Minimal direct effect on cardiac conduction/contractility compared to non-dihydropyridines (verapamil, diltiazem), because of vascular selectivity.
Uses: hypertension, chronic stable and vasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina.
Adverse effects: ankle edema (from selective precapillary arteriolar dilation), flushing, headache, reflex tachycardia (less than shorter-acting dihydropyridines, given amlodipine’s long half-life and gradual onset), gingival hyperplasia.

