Amlodipine A Beta Blocker

Is Amlodipine a Beta Blocker?

Understanding Amlodipine and Beta Blockers

Amlodipine is not a beta blocker. It is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used primarily to treat high blood pressure and angina. Beta blockers, on the other hand, are a class of medications that reduce blood pressure by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. This article explores the differences between amlodipine and beta blockers, and the effects of combining these two types of medications.

Amlodipine's Mechanism of Action

Amlodipine works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. This action relaxes the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. This mechanism is distinct from that of beta blockers, which decrease heart rate and the force of contraction, thereby reducing blood pressure and heart workload .

Combined Therapy: Amlodipine and Beta Blockers

Anti-Ischaemic and Anti-Anginal Effects

Several studies have investigated the combined use of amlodipine and beta blockers in patients with coronary artery disease and stable angina. The combination therapy has shown mixed results. For instance, one study found that adding amlodipine to beta-blocker therapy did not significantly reduce the frequency or duration of ambulatory ischaemia compared to placebo. However, other studies have demonstrated that amlodipine can significantly increase exercise capacity and reduce the number of anginal attacks when added to beta-blocker therapy .

Blood Pressure Control

In hypertensive patients, combining amlodipine with beta blockers has been shown to be effective in controlling blood pressure. A study comparing the effects of amlodipine and atenolol on small arteries found that amlodipine improved arterial structure and endothelial function, whereas atenolol did not. Another study indicated that the combination of amlodipine and bisoprolol effectively reduced central systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure augmentation, which are less effectively managed by beta blockers alone.

Safety and Tolerability

Amlodipine is generally well-tolerated, with a safety profile that compares favorably to beta blockers. Common side effects include edema, which is usually well-tolerated. In contrast, beta blockers are associated with a higher incidence of severe side effects. The combination of amlodipine and beta blockers has been shown to be safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects and laboratory test abnormalities .

Conclusion

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, not a beta blocker. While both types of medications are used to treat hypertension and angina, they work through different mechanisms. Combining amlodipine with beta blockers can provide additional benefits in terms of blood pressure control and exercise capacity, although the results can vary. Overall, amlodipine is well-tolerated and can be an effective addition to beta-blocker therapy in managing cardiovascular conditions.

Summary

Not a yes or no question

Is Amlodipine a Beta Blocker?

Understanding Amlodipine and Beta Blockers

Amlodipine's Mechanism of Action

Combined Therapy: Amlodipine and Beta Blockers

Anti-Ischaemic and Anti-Anginal Effects

Blood Pressure Control

Safety and Tolerability

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Effects of amlodipine on transient myocardial ischaemia in patients with a severe coronary condition treated with a beta-blocker. Amlor-Holter Study Investigators.

Pharmacokinetics and additional anti-ischaemic effectiveness of amlodipine, a once-daily calcium antagonist, during acute and long-term therapy of stable angina pectoris in patients pre-treated with a beta-blocker.

Amlodipine combined with beta blockade for chronic angina: Results of a multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized double‐blind study

A 6-week double-blind comparison of amlodipine and placebo in patients with stable exertional angina pectoris receiving concomitant beta-blocker therapy.

PP.21.27: COMBINATION WITH AMLODIPINE ELIMINATES ADVERSE EFFECT OF A BETA-BLOCKER ON AORTIC PULSE PRESSURE AUGMENTATION

Prevention of cardiovascular events with an antihypertensive regimen of amlodipine adding perindopril as required versus atenolol adding bendroflumethiazide as required, in the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial-Blood Pressure Lowering Arm (ASCOT-BPLA): a multicentre randomised controlled tri

COMBINATION THERAPY WITH BETA‐ADRENERGIC BLOCKADE AND AMLODIPINE AS SECOND LINE TREATMENT IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

Effect of amlodipine compared to atenolol on small arteries of previously untreated essential hypertensive patients.

Evaluation of the acute hemodynamic and electrophysiologic effects of intravenous amlodipine alone and in combination with a beta-blocker in patients with angina pectoris.

The safety of amlodipine.

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