A method is provided for lowering blood pressure in a subject in need thereof by administering a dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker pharmaceutical composition to a subject qualified for over-the-counter access to the dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker pharmaceutical composition includes isradipine, nifedipine, or nisoldipine. In some embodiments, the dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker pharmaceutical composition includes 3-O-ethyl 5-O-methyl 2-(2-aminoethoxymethyl)-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
