Which of the following is an FDA approved dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker for angina treatment?

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is indeed an FDA-approved dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker specifically indicated for the treatment of angina, as well as hypertension. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers work by selectively blocking calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and decreased cardiac workload, which effectively alleviates angina symptoms.

In contrast, while verapamil and diltiazem are also calcium channel blockers, they are classified as non-dihydropyridines. These medications not only block calcium channels but also have significant effects on the heart. They decrease heart rate and contractility, making them suitable for different therapeutic uses, including certain types of angina and arrhythmias, but their primary classification distinguishes them from dihydropyridines.

Metoprolol, on the other hand, is a beta-blocker rather than a calcium channel blocker. Although it can be used for managing angina, its mechanism of action differs significantly; it primarily reduces heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand but does not work through the calcium channel blockade mechanism.

Thus, amlodipine's specific classification and approval for angina treatment as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker affirm its