Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyMedium
A patient is prescribed amlodipine for hypertension. The medical assistant explains that this medication helps to relax blood vessels and reduce the heart's workload. Amlodipine belongs to which drug classification?
- ABeta-blocker
- BACE inhibitor
- CCalcium channel blocker
- DDiuretic
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Calcium channel blocker
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). CCBs inhibit the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation of blood vessels (vasodilation) and a reduction in heart rate and contractility, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) reduce heart rate and force of contraction.
- B. ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation.
- D. Diuretics (e.g., furosemide) increase urine output to reduce fluid volume and blood pressure.
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
A class of medications that block calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, leading to relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, reduced peripheral vascular resistance, and decreased myocardial contractility and heart rate.
- Used to treat hypertension, angina, and some arrhythmias.
- Common examples: amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil.
- End in -dipine, -zem, or -amil.
Memory trick: Blood Pressure: A-B-C-D