Used primarily to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain), this chemical works by relaxing blood vessels, allowing the heart to pump blood more easily. It belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers, which prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This action helps lower blood pressure, reduce strain on the heart, and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. It is also occasionally used to manage certain types of arrhythmias and Raynaud's phenomenon. Available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations, it allows flexible dosing depending on the condition being treated.