THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF AZELNIDIPINE IN CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REDUCTION: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Azelnidipine is a third-generation dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) characterized by high vascular selectivity, long duration of action, and unique dual L-type and T-type calcium channel blockade. It provides effective and sustained antihypertensive action without inducing reflex tachycardia, a common limitation of earlier CCBs. Owing to its high lipophilicity and prolonged membrane binding, Azelnidipine maintains 24-hour blood pressure control and demonstrates cardioprotective, renoprotective, and anti-oxidative properties. The drug has also shown favorable effects on left ventricular hypertrophy, endothelial function, and renal microcirculation. This review summarizes the pharmacological characteristics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, safety profile, and therapeutic role of Azelnidipine in the treatment of hypertension.