Amlodipine is a popular antihypertensive drug belonging to the group of drugs called dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Amlodipine has antioxidant properties and an ability to enhance the production of nitric oxide (NO), an important vasodilator that decreases blood pressure. Amlodipine is also used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help to increase the ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of angina attacks.