Which medication is NOT typically used in a hypertensive emergency?

Amlodipine is primarily used as a long-acting calcium channel blocker that effectively manages chronic hypertension by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow. It is not typically utilized in hypertensive emergencies, which require medications that have rapid onset and can quickly lower blood pressure to prevent acute organ damage.

In contrast, clonidine, labetalol, and captopril are often used in hypertensive emergencies due to their ability to quickly reduce blood pressure. Clonidine works as an α2 adrenergic agonist, leading to decreased sympathetic outflow and reduced systemic vascular resistance. Labetalol is a combined α and β-blocker, which causes both vasodilation and decreased heart rate. Captopril, an ACE inhibitor, can also be used effectively in some emergency scenarios as it works quickly to lower blood pressure by reducing angiotensin II levels.

The requirement for rapid action in hypertensive emergencies makes options like amlodipine less suitable, supporting the idea that it is not typically used in such critical situations.