A calcium channel blocker, clevidipine butyrate (Cleviprex) is the first new I.V. drug approved for hypertension in 10 years. This novel antihypertensive drug is effective for treating severe acute hypertension in the ED and for managing BP in perioperative settings. Compared with similar drugs, clevidipine has the advantage of a short half-life (less than 1 minute), so it can be titrated quickly and precisely.

Unlike many other I.V. antihypertensives on the market, clevidipine is metabolized in the blood and tissues, not the kidneys or liver, so it doesn't accumulate in the body. This may be a significant advantage for critically ill patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction.

For more information, visit http://www.cleviprex.com.