Amlodipine onset peak duration
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Amlodipine: Onset, Peak, and Duration of Action
Introduction to Amlodipine
Amlodipine is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker commonly used in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. Its unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties make it suitable for once-daily dosing, providing sustained therapeutic effects with minimal side effects.
Onset of Action
The onset of action for amlodipine is gradual. After oral administration, the drug is absorbed slowly, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 6 to 8 hours post-dose 357. This slow absorption rate contributes to a gradual decrease in blood pressure, reducing the likelihood of reflex tachycardia and other vasodilator side effects 57.
Peak Effect
Amlodipine reaches its peak effect around 6 to 8 hours after administration, coinciding with the peak plasma concentrations 357. This timing is consistent across different doses, as demonstrated in studies involving healthy volunteers and patients with stable angina pectoris 49. The peak effect is characterized by a significant reduction in blood pressure and an increase in exercise tolerance, with improvements in time to onset of angina and total exercise duration 246.
Duration of Action
The duration of action for amlodipine is notably long, attributed to its slow elimination half-life of 40 to 60 hours 367. This extended half-life allows for once-daily dosing, maintaining stable plasma concentrations and therapeutic effects over a 24-hour period 357. Clinical studies have shown that the antihypertensive and antianginal effects of amlodipine persist throughout the dosing interval, with minimal fluctuations in efficacy 246.
Conclusion
Amlodipine's pharmacokinetic profile, characterized by a gradual onset, peak effect at 6 to 8 hours, and prolonged duration of action, makes it an effective and well-tolerated option for managing hypertension and angina pectoris. Its once-daily dosing regimen ensures consistent therapeutic benefits, enhancing patient compliance and overall treatment outcomes.
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