clevidipine

Clevidipine is a third-generation, intravenous, dihydropyridine L-type calcium channel blocker used for the rapid reduction of blood pressure when oral antihypertensive therapy is not feasible or desirable. It acts by selectively inhibiting calcium influx in vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to arterial vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance without significant effects on cardiac contractility or conduction. Clevidipine has a very short half-life (~1 minute), allowing for precise titration and rapid onset/offset of action. It is indicated primarily for acute hypertension management in perioperative settings and emergencies where oral administration is not possible. The drug is formulated as a lipid emulsion and metabolized rapidly by esterases in blood and tissues, making its clearance independent of renal or hepatic function[2][3][4][5][6].

Brand names

Cleviprex

Other names

clevidipine butyrate