Amlodipine in hypertension: a first-line agent with efficacy for improving blood pressure and patient outcomes

OBJECTIVES Hypertension is well established as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although there is undeniable evidence to support the beneficial effects of antihypertensive therapy on morbidity and mortality, adequate blood pressure management still remains suboptimal. Research into the treatment of hypertension has produced a multitude of drug classes with different efficacy profiles. These agents include β-blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and calcium channel blockers. One of the oldest groups of antihypertensives, the calcium channel blockers are a heterogeneous group of medications. METHODS This review paper will focus on amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, which has been widely used for 2 decades. RESULTS Amlodipine has good efficacy and safety, in addition to strong evidence from large randomised controlled trials for cardiovascular event reduction. CONCLUSIONS Amlodipine should be considered a first-line antihypertensive agent.