📄 Abstract
Background: Amlodipine, a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB), is among the most widely prescribed first-line agents for essential hypertension due to its potent vasodilatory action, 24-hour blood pressure control, and demonstrated cardiovascular outcome benefits. However, its mechanism of action predisposes patients to a characteristic profile of adverse effects that can influence treatment adherence. Objective: To comprehensively review the pharmacology, mechanism of action, incidence, classification, risk factors, and clinical management of adverse effects associated with Amlodipine therapy in hypertensive patients, and to compare its safety profile with other antihypertensive drug classes across special patient populations. Methods: A narrative review of pharmacology textbooks, landmark clinical trials (ALLHAT, ASCOT-BPLA, VALUE), prescribing information, pharmacovigilance databases, and peer-reviewed literature on CCB-associated adverse drug reactions was undertaken. Findings: Peripheral edema (~10.8%), headache (~7.3%), flushing, palpitations, and fatigue are the most frequently reported adverse effects, arising primarily from preferential arteriolar vasodilation and reflex sympathetic activation. Serious reactions such as severe hypotension, hepatotoxicity, and gingival hyperplasia are rare. Elderly patients, women, and those on higher doses or concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors carry elevated risk. Combination with an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker mitigates edema through balanced arteriolar-venular dilation. Conclusion: Amlodipine offers robust antihypertensive efficacy with a generally favourable safety margin. Awareness of its dose-dependent adverse effect profile, appropriate patient selection, proactive monitoring, and rational combination therapy can minimise treatment discontinuation and optimise long-term blood pressure control.
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📚 How to Cite:
E. Kaviyarasu, S. Dhamodharan, S. Rishikesh, V. Thirumurugan, C. Mohammed musthaq, Mr.S.Alameen,M.Pharam, Dr. N. Gnanasekar, Dr. D. Rajalingam , ADVERSE EFFECTS OF AMLODIPINE IN THE PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW , Volume 12 , Issue 8, August 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , Pages: 469 - 475 ,