It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of chest pain (angina).
It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily and reduces the workload on the heart. This results in lower blood pressure and improved blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body, which can help to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications associated with high blood pressure. In addition to treating hypertension and angina, amlodipine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by a doctor. This may include certain types of heart failure, Raynaud's phenomenon (a condition in which the fingers and toes become numb and cold in response to stress or cold temperatures), and certain types of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). It is important to note that amlodipine should only be used under the guidance of a doctor and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight loss, and dietary changes.