A series of dihydropyridines substituted at the 2-position by basic side chains are described and their potencies as calcium antagonists listed. One compound, 24 (2-aminoethoxy) methyl]-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-6-methyl-1, 4dihydropyridine (17, amlodipine) was found to be comparable in potency to nifedipine and to have an elimination half-life of 30 h in dogs. Oral bioavailability approached 100%, and ...