Manidipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension. It is used clinically as an antihypertensive. It is selective for vasculature and does not produce effects on the heart at clinically relevant dosages. Contraction of vascular smooth muscle is stimulated by Gq coupled receptors which produce calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This is followed by opening of voltage dependent calcium channels and an influx of calcium into the cell ultimately producing contraction. Manidipine binds to and dissociates slowly from L- and T-type voltage dependent calcium channels on smooth muscle cells, blocking the entrance of extracellular calcium into the cell and preventing this contraction. This produces vasodilation which decreases blood pressure. Manidipine produces renal vasodilation and an increase in natriuresis. This likely contributes to the antihypertensive effect by reducing blood volume. Possible side effects of using manidipine may include dizziness, flushing, headache, and hypotension.

Manidipine Pathway References