Cildipidine is awesome. 600 tabs recently landed.
Let me tell you what makes it a better calcium channel blocker than Amlodipine in every possible way:
-Same BP reduction at equivalent dose (2x dose amlodipine) but the most troublesome potential side of Amlodipine, edema (swelling of extremities) is far less of an issue. Since this can develop years after starting amlodipine, it's a major benefit to have this risk virtually off the table.
-The only CCB that blocks both "L" and "N" channels.
-"N" channel blocking prevents psychological stress / anger induced blood pressure increases. This type is the major source of AAS BP increase. As a result, BP levels are much more stable throughout the day. Even "White coat syndrome", elevated BP in the presence of a medical provider, has been observed to be eliminated with Cildipidine,
-"N" channel blocking also prevents reflex tachycardia. Normally, when BP is lowered via a medication, resting heart rate rises to compensate. Cildipidine not only does NOT do this, it lowers RHR by a few points from baseline as well.
-Heart rate variability is improved by Cildipidine on a dose dependent basis.
-improves the function of cholesterol metabolizing enzymes, lowering triglycerides.
-more selective for arterioles rather than large arteries. This improves blood flow in the extremities, organ function, improves ED, without excessively lowering total BP.
-renal protective, and improves kidney function, as seen by its impact on the relevant markers.
When both are available, there is literally nothing that makes amlodipine preferable, other than a marginally lower price making it more cost effective.