A grafted CPVA-g-PMAA adsorbent was synthesized by surface-initiated grafted polymerization. The monomer methacrylic acid (MAA), initiation cerium sulfate amine, catalyst sulfuric acid (H2SO4), reaction time and reaction temperature was investigated, respectively, to obtain optimal grafted degree CPVA-g-PMAA membrane. The CPVA-g-PMAA adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, optical microscope, SEM, Zeta potential and Solid-State 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and employed by adsorbent for amlodipine (ADP). The adsorption capacity of CPVA-g-PMAA for ADP reaches 1.43 mg/cm2 in methanol, better than in DIW and dimethyl formamide. The pseudo-second-order (PSO) model is fit adsorption kinetic for the effect of temperature, and pseudo-first-order is better than PSO at different temperature. The adsorption capacity increases with rising ionic strength and decreasing temperature, and it reaches 1.44 mg/cm2. The D–R adsorption isotherm model is more fit the adsorption of CPVA-g-PMAA for ADP. The adsorption property of CPVA-g-PMAA for ADP is still good even in simulated wastewater, and the adsorbent is stable. It is potential to adsorb ADP from pharmaceutical wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]