Clevidipine is a short-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used for the management of acute hypertension, particularly in perioperative settings or hypertensive emergencies. It acts by selectively inhibiting L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, leading to arterial vasodilation and a reduction in systemic vascular resistance, without significant effects on venous capacitance or cardiac contractility.
Clevidipine is administered intravenously as a lipid emulsion, due to its poor water solubility and rapid hydrolysis by blood and tissue esterases.
Indications include:
∙ Acute hypertension requiring rapid, titratable blood pressure control
∙ Perioperative blood pressure management
∙ Hypertensive crisis in critical care settings
Parent: Clevidipine
Parent: Clevidipine
Impurities in clevidipine arise from its multi-step chemical synthesis, including esterification, nitration, and dihydropyridine ring formation, and from degradation, especially due to its ester moieties, which are hydrolytically unstable. As it is used intravenously in critically ill patients, impurity control must comply with ICH Q3A/B, USP, EP, and injectable drug regulations.
Process-Related Impurities
Degradation Impurities
Elemental Impurities
Analytical Techniques for Impurity Detection
Clevidipine is used to rapidly and safely lower blood pressure in patients with severe hypertension, particularly during surgery or in critical care.
It blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing arterial vasodilation and reduction in systemic vascular resistance.
No. Due to its short half-life (1–2 minutes) and formulation as a lipid emulsion, it is indicated for short-term IV use only.
No. It is highly sensitive to hydrolysis and light, and should be stored in its original light-protective vials under refrigerated conditions (2–8°C). Once opened, the emulsion must be used within 12 hours.
