Abstract
Felodipine is a new dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with a number of properties that enhance its suitability as a first-line antihypertensive drug for the elderly. Felodipine has a 100-fold selectivity for inhibiting the contribution of vascular smooth muscle compared with cardiac muscle. Negative inotropic action appears minimal while selectivity appears to increase with age. Felodipine has a minimal effect on smooth muscle of venous capacitance vessels, thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of orthostatic hypotension. Renal effects are favorable; the glomerular filtration rate is