Amlodipine, belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells lining the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Since calcium is important in muscle contraction, blocking calcium transport relaxes artery muscles and dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. By relaxing coronary arteries, Amlodipine, is useful in preventing chest pain (angina) resulting from coronary artery spasm.

Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body lowers the blood pressure, which reduces the burden on the heart as it pumps blood to the body.

All about Amlodipine

Drug Class: What is Amlodipine and why is it prescribed?
Drug Mechanism: How does Amlodipine work?
Dosage: How should you take Amlodipine?
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Amlodipine
Special information on Amlodipine
Amlodipine side effects

Amlodipine Besylate is prescribed for angina, a condition characterized by episodes of crushing chest pain that usually results from a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle due to clogged arteries.

Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells lining the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Since calcium is important in muscle contraction, blocking calcium transport relaxes artery muscles and dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. By relaxing coronary arteries, Amlodipine is useful in preventing chest pain (angina) resulting from coronary artery spasm.

Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body lowers the blood pressure, which reduces the burden on the heart as it pumps blood to the body.

Reducing heart burden lessens the heart muscle's demand for oxygen, and further helps to prevent angina in patients with coronary artery disease.

Amlodipine may be taken with or without food. A once-a-day medication, Amlodipine may be used alone or in combination with other drugs for high blood pressure or angina.

You should take Amlodipine exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. You will begin to see a drop in your blood pressure 24 hours after you start the medication.

NORVASC FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Amlodipine Dosage for Adults

The usual starting dose of Amlodipine for adults is 5 milligrams taken once a day. The most you should take in a day is 10 milligrams. If your doctor is adding Amlodipine to other high blood pressure medications, the dose is 2.5 milligrams once daily. The lower 2.5-milligram starting dose of Amlodipine also applies if you have liver disease.

Amlodipine Dosage for Older Adults

You will be prescribed a lower starting Amlodipine dose of 2.5 milligrams.

NORVASC FOR ANGINA

Amlodipine Dosage for Adults

The usual starting dose of Amlodipine for adults is 5 to 10 milligrams once daily. If you have liver disease, the lower 5-milligram dose will be used at the start.

Amlodipine Dosage for Older Adults

The usual starting dose of Amlodipine is 5 milligrams. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your response to the drug.

Amlodipine Overdose

Experience with Amlodipine is limited; but if you suspect an overdose of Amlodipine , seek medical attention immediately. The most likely symptoms are a drop in blood pressure and a faster heartbeat.

If you miss a dose of Amlodipine

If you forget to take a dose of Amlodipine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next Amlodipine dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses of Amlodipine at the same time.

Amlodipine Storage instructions

Store Amlodipine at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.

Amlodipine Preparations:

Tablets: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg

There are no known food or drug interactions with Amlodipine.

Special information on Amlodipine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Amlodipine during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Amlodipine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Amlodipine may appear in breast milk. If Amlodipine is essential to your health, your doctor may tell you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment with Amlodipine is finished.

Most Important Fact about this Drug

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Amlodipine regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Amlodipine; and you must continue taking Amlodipine even if you are feeling well. Amlodipine does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

Side effects of Amlodipine cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Amlodipine.

More common side effects of Amlodipine may include: Dizziness, fatigue, flushing, fluid retention and swelling, headache, palpitations (fluttery or throbbing heartbeat)

Less common side effects of Amlodipine may include: Abdominal pain, nausea, sleepiness

Rare side effects of Amlodipine may include: Abnormal dreams, agitation, allergic reactions, altered sense of smell or taste, anxiety, apathy, back pain, chest pain, cold and clammy skin, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), constipation, coughing, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, difficult or painful urination, difficulty swallowing, dizziness or light-headedness when standing, double vision, dry mouth, dry skin, excessive urination, eye pain, fainting, frequent urination, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, heart failure, hives, hot flashes, inability to sleep, increased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, inflamed blood vessels, inflamed pancreas, irregular heartbeat, irregular pulse, itching, joint pain or problems, lack of coordination, lack of sensation, loose stools, loss of appetite, loss of memory, loss of sense of identity, low blood pressure, migraine, muscle cramps or pain, muscle weakness, nasal inflammation, nervousness, nosebleed, pain, purple or red spots on the skin, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, sexual problems, skin discoloration, skin inflammation, slow heartbeat, stomach inflammation, thirst, tingling or "pins and needles," tremor, twitching, urinating at night, urinating problems, vertigo, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, weight gain.

Why should Amlodipine not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Amlodipine, do not take this medication.

Special warnings about Amlodipine

Check with your doctor before you stop taking Amlodipine, as a slow reduction in the Amlodipine dose may be needed.

Your doctor will prescribe Amlodipine with caution if you have certain heart conditions or liver disease. Make sure the doctor is aware of all your medical problems before you start therapy with Amlodipine.

Although very rare, if you have severe heart disease, you may experience an increase in frequency and duration of angina attacks, or even have a heart attack, when you are starting on Amlodipine or your dosage is increased.

Safety and effectiveness of Amlodipine in children have not been established.