What therapeutic classification does Amlodipine fall under?

Amlodipine is classified as a calcium channel blocker, a category of medications that work by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells. This action leads to relaxation of the blood vessels, thereby reducing peripheral vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure.

Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine are particularly effective in treating conditions such as hypertension and angina. By relaxing the blood vessels, they help improve blood flow and decrease the workload on the heart. This mechanism distinctively aligns amlodipine with the properties and therapeutic applications of calcium channel blockers, differentiating it from beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, and angiotensin II receptor blockers, which each have their unique mechanisms and uses in cardiovascular therapy.