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Dihydropyridine derivatives
A table of the pharmacokinetic properties of the dihydropyridines is available for reference purposes.
Use in the treatment of hypertension:
The dihydropyridines are widely used alone as first line treatment of hypertension particularly in patients aged >55 years or patients of Afro-Caribbean origin.
They are also widely used in combination with other types of antihypertensive agent for more resistant or severe hypertension.
Nifedipine, amlodipine and felodipine have been shown NOT to exacerbate heart failure. These three dihydropyridines may thus be safely used as antihypertensive agents in patients with incipient heart failure.
Unwanted effects (click for list):
Many of the unwanted effects of the dihydropyridines stem from their vasodilator activity. They include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Reflex tachycardia
- Ankle swelling (gravitational oedema)
