Amlodipine
PrescriptionWhat is Amlodipine?
Amlodipine is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain. It belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers. These medicines work by relaxing your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
Your doctor may prescribe amlodipine alone or with other blood pressure medications. It comes as a tablet you take by mouth once a day. Most people take amlodipine for many years to keep their blood pressure under control.
This medication helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems caused by high blood pressure. It can also reduce how often you get chest pain from coronary artery disease. Amlodipine is available as a generic medication and under the brand name Norvasc.
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Common uses
- High blood pressure, also called hypertension
- Chronic stable angina, a type of chest pain from heart disease
- Vasospastic angina, also called Prinzmetal's angina
- Coronary artery disease without heart failure
How it works
Amlodipine blocks calcium from entering certain cells in your blood vessel walls and heart. Calcium makes these muscles contract and tighten. When calcium is blocked, the muscles relax instead. This relaxation widens your blood vessels and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood.
Wider blood vessels mean lower blood pressure. Your heart does not have to work as hard to push blood through your body. This also means more oxygen-rich blood can reach your heart muscle. That is why amlodipine helps reduce chest pain in people with coronary artery disease.
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Dosage information
The typical starting dose for adults is 5 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase your dose to 10 mg once daily if needed. Some people start with 2.5 mg daily, especially older adults or people with liver problems. Children ages 6 to 17 may take 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily. Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your condition and response to treatment.
Side effects
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Flushing or feeling warm
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Headache
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
Serious side effects are rare but can include very low blood pressure, worsening chest pain, or heart attack symptoms. Contact your doctor right away if you have severe dizziness, fainting, or new or worsening chest pain. Allergic reactions with severe swelling or trouble breathing require immediate medical attention.
Drug interactions
- Other blood pressure medications may cause your blood pressure to drop too low
- Simvastatin doses above 20 mg may increase risk of muscle problems
- CYP3A4 inhibitors like clarithromycin or ketoconazole may increase amlodipine levels
- CYP3A4 inducers like rifampin may decrease amlodipine effectiveness
- Grapefruit juice may increase amlodipine levels in your blood
- Cyclosporine levels may increase when taken with amlodipine
Blood test monitoring
Your doctor should check your blood pressure regularly to make sure amlodipine is working. You may also need blood tests to monitor your kidney function and potassium levels. Amlodipine can affect how well your kidneys work, especially if you already have kidney problems. Checking creatinine levels helps your doctor see if your kidneys are filtering waste properly. Potassium levels are important because some people take amlodipine with other medications that affect potassium. Rite Aid offers convenient blood testing with over 200 biomarkers measured twice a year for $349 annually.
Related blood tests
Taking Amlodipine? Monitor your levels.
- Track how your body responds
- Catch side effects early with blood work
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Yes, amlodipine is available at Rite Aid Pharmacy locations. Rite Aid pharmacy services are returning soon and currently accepting leads. You will need a valid prescription from your doctor to fill this medication.
You can take amlodipine at any time of day, with or without food. Most people find it easiest to take it at the same time each day to help remember. Choose a time that fits your daily routine and stick with it for the best results.
Amlodipine starts lowering blood pressure within 8 hours of your first dose. However, it may take 3 to 4 weeks to see the full blood pressure lowering effect. Your doctor may adjust your dose during this time based on how you respond.
No, do not stop taking amlodipine without talking to your doctor first. Your blood pressure may be normal because the medication is working. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to rise again and increase your risk of heart problems.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Amlodipine relaxes and widens your blood vessels. This can cause fluid to leak out of small blood vessels into nearby tissue, especially in your lower legs and ankles. This swelling is usually mild and may improve over time or with dose adjustment.
Your doctor may order kidney function tests including creatinine and potassium levels. These tests help make sure the medication is not affecting your kidneys or electrolyte balance. Rite Aid offers blood testing services that measure these biomarkers and over 200 others for $349 per year with 2 tests annually.
You should limit or avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine. Grapefruit can increase the amount of amlodipine in your bloodstream, which may increase side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about how much, if any, is safe for you.
Amlodipine may harm an unborn baby, especially during the second and third trimesters. Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor may switch you to a different blood pressure medication that is safer during pregnancy.
Amlodipine itself does not usually cause weight gain. However, the ankle and leg swelling from fluid retention may make you feel heavier or your clothes fit tighter. If you notice significant weight gain over a few days, contact your doctor as this could signal a more serious problem.