Clevidipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. Clevidipine is marketed under the trade name Cleviprex, indicated for the reduction of blood pressure (BP) when oral therapy is not feasible or not desirable. Clevidipine is a dihydropyridine L-type calcium channel blocker. L-type calcium channels mediate the influx of calcium during depolarization in arterial smooth muscle. Experiments in anesthetized rats and dogs show that clevidipine reduces mean arterial blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance. Clevidipine does not reduce cardiac filling pressure (pre-load), confirming lack of effects on the venous capacitance vessels.