What is Amlodipine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Amlodipine is a generic prescription drug prescribed to people with high blood pressure, chest pain, or coronary artery disease. It belongs to a family of drugs called calcium channel blockers which work by widening blood vessels and reducing the force of heartbeats, reducing blood pressure and the workload on the heart. Taken orally, amlodipine doesn’t typically have side effects outside of swelling.
Check our best Amlodipine prices
Amlodipine overview
BRAND NAMES:
Norvasc, Katerzia
Generic Names:
Amlodipine besylate
Uses:
Lowers high blood pressure and relieves chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina (chest pain). Amlodipine also treats coronary artery disease when the diagnosis has been verified by blood vessel X-rays (angiography).
Therapeutic Classes:
Antihypertensive, antianginal, cardiovascular agent, calcium channel blocker
Forms:
Tablet, oral suspension (liquid)
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Amlodipine used for?
Amlodipine besylate is FDA-approved to treat hypertension, chest pain (angina), and coronary artery disease. Healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries to the lungs).
What form(s) does Amlodipine come in
Tablet
2.5 mg
5 mg
10 mg
Oral suspension (liquid)
1 mg/mL
What are common Amlodipine doses?
For high blood pressure:
In adults: 5–10 mg once daily
In children 6–17 years old: 2.5–5 mg once daily
For angina: 5–10 mg once daily
For coronary artery disease: 5–10 mg once daily
Common Amlodipine prescriptions
amLODIPine Besylate
30 tablets bottleamLODIPine Besylate
30 tablets disp packamLODIPine Besylate
10mg tabletamLODIPine Besylate
2.5mg tabletamLODIPine Besylate
5mg tablet
How to take Amlodipine
Take this medicine as directed.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine.
It is easier to remember each day’s dose if you take each dose at the same time every day.
Amlodipine can be taken with or without food.
How to take amlodipine tablets
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water
Store the tablets at room temperature in a light-protected container
How to take amlodipine suspension
Shake the bottle well before measuring a dose
Use the calibrated oral syringe or other measuring device that comes with this medicine to measure the dose accurately
Store amlodipine oral suspension at room temperature, protected from light, freezing, or excessive heat
What to do if you miss a dose of Amlodipine
If a dose is missed, take it when remembered.
If it’s been 12 hours or more after the dose is normally taken, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose as scheduled.
Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Amlodipine contraindications
Amlodipine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to amlodipine.
Amlodipine warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor may need to do lab tests regularly to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have:
A history of liver disease
A history of heart disease
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Peripheral edema
Low blood pressure
Worsening of chest pain
Heart attack
Heart rhythm abnormalities
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in a normal range.
Amlodipine interactions
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you use before taking amitriptyline.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Amlodipine can increase the risk of side effects caused by other medicines. Alternatively, other medicines can increase the risk of amlodipine side effects. Tell your doctor if you are also using alprazolam, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, itraconazole, ritonavir, sildenafil, simvastatin, or tacrolimus.
Find more detailed information about amlodipine besylate interactions to avoid here.
Amlodipine side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
New or worsening chest pain
Trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Racing heartbeats, abnormal heartbeats, palpitations
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Swelling, particularly in your hands, ankles, or legs
Find more detailed information about amlodipine side effects here.
Sources:
Amlodipine besylate tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Katerzia amlodipine suspension prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Norvasc amlodipine besylate tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
4.8 calificación promedio4.8 calificación
