2-Amino-1,4-dihydropyridines bearing an ester carbonyl function in the 3-position, being optionally substituted by lower alkyl in the 5-position, and being substituted in the 4- and 6-positions by lower alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl or a heterocyclic group are antihypertensive agents and coronary vessel dilators. The compounds, of which 2-amino-6-methyl-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3 carboxylic acid ethyl ester is a representative embodiment, are prepared through condensation of an .alpha.-B-unsaturated ketone and an amidine.