Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Benidipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, is chemically known as 2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, 3-ethyl 5-(2-propynyl) ester. Its molecular formula is C18H19N2O6, with a molecular weight of 359.37 g/mol. Structurally, it features a dihydropyridine core, nitrophenyl substitution, and ester moieties, conferring lipophilicity and metabolic stability. Therapeutically, it is used for hypertension and angina. Key physicochemical properties include high solubility in organic solvents and a melting point of 134–137°C. Benidipine selectively inhibits L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, inducing vasodilation by reducing intracellular calcium influx.