Nitrendipine is primarily used as a calcium channel blocker to manage hypertension. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. This makes it effective in treating high blood pressure and preventing complications such as strokes and heart attacks. Additionally, it is sometimes used in research studies to investigate its potential effects on cardiovascular diseases and other conditions related to calcium channel activity. Its ability to selectively block calcium channels in smooth muscle cells makes it a valuable tool in both clinical and experimental settings.