title: An overview of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of amlodipine in elderly persons with systemic hypertension.
abstract: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data were compared between elderly and young patients with hypertension who received single intravenous doses of amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, followed by oral administration of amlodipine up to 10 mg once daily for 12 weeks. After intravenous administration, elderly patients had prolonged elimination half-life values (58 +/- 11 vs 42 +/- 8 hr; p < 0.05) caused by decreased clearance (19 +/- 5 vs 7 liters/hr; p < 0.05). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly decreased from baseline throughout the 3-month treatment period in both groups. After long-term oral administration, elderly and young patients had comparable decreases in mean blood pressure at a given drug plasma concentration. The antihypertensive effect of amlodipine is well correlated with plasma concentration and, at a given concentration, is similar in both elderly and young patients.
authors.affiliation: Brown University, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02903.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Abernethy
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017311:Amlodipine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000097:blood; D001682:Biological Availability; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D015924:Blood Pressure Monitors; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012083:Renin / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D017311:Amlodipine; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor; D012083:Renin