Final answer:
A common side effect of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine is peripheral edema, along with dizziness, flushing, and a rapid heart rate. These medications relax blood vessels by blocking calcium from entering heart and artery cells, leading to decreased blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
A common side effect of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine is peripheral edema, which is the swelling of tissues, typically in the lower limbs, due to the accumulation of fluid. These medications, which include drugs like amlodipine (Norvasc, Lotrel), diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac), felodipine (Plendil), nimodipine (Nimotop), nisoldipine (Sular), and verapamil (Calan, Verelan), relax the blood vessels by blocking calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arterial walls, leading to decreased blood pressure. As a result, more fluid may seep into the tissues, causing edema. Other side effects can include dizziness, flushing, and a rapid heart rate.