What is the primary action of Amlodipine (Norvasc)?

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is primarily classified as a calcium channel blocker. This medication works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions across cell membranes in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. By blocking these calcium channels, amlodipine causes vasodilation, leading to a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure. This mechanism is particularly beneficial in treating conditions such as hypertension and angina.

Understanding the action of calcium channel blockers is crucial because they help to decrease the workload on the heart and improve blood flow, which can alleviate symptoms associated with heart diseases. The other options do not align with the primary action of amlodipine; for example, diuretics focus on promoting urine output to reduce blood volume, ACE inhibitors work by blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme to lower blood pressure, and beta-blockers reduce heart rate and contractility but do not primarily function as calcium channel blockers.