Which medication is the best option for patients who experience bradycardia as a side effect?

Prepare for the Lippincott Pharmacology Exam with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by detailed hints and explanations. Master your exam with ease!

Amlodipine is the most suitable option for patients experiencing bradycardia as a side effect. It is a calcium channel blocker that primarily works on vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and lowering blood pressure without having a significant impact on heart rate. Therefore, it does not contribute to bradycardia and can be safely used in patients who are already experiencing this condition.

In contrast, medications such as Metoprolol and Propranolol belong to beta-blockers, which can decrease heart rate and exacerbate bradycardia. Verapamil, another calcium channel blocker, can also affect heart rate and cause bradycardia due to its direct action on the cardiac conduction system as well as on peripheral vasodilation. Thus, these three drugs are not appropriate choices for a patient who needs to manage bradycardia.

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