Amlodipine
Description
Amlodipine is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure. It works by blockin
g the movement of calcium into the heart and blood vessel muscle cells. This action relaxes and widens your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and for your heart to pump. This lowers your blood pressure and increases the blood supply and oxygen to your heart, easing chest pain. Amlodipine can cause common side effects, most of which are mild and often improve over a few days or weeks. These include swelling in your ankles or feet, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and flushing (a feeling of warmth or redness). Avoid excessive alcohol, as it can increase Amlodipine's blood-pressure-lowering effect, making dizziness and drowsiness much worse. If you experience dizziness or tiredness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
Uses
Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Contraindications
When should one not use Amlodipine
- If you are allergic to amlodipine or any other calcium antagonists
- If you have very low blood pressure (hypotension)
- If you are suffering from narrowing of the aorta heart valve (aortic stenosis) or cardiogenic shock (a condition where your heart is unable to supply enough blood to the body)
- If you suffer from heart failure after a heart attack
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Swelling of feet
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache, dizziness, sleepiness
- Stomach pain
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Flushing
- Swelling or inflammation to the pancreas
- Sudden wheeziness
- Excessive fall in blood pressure
- Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching)
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Amlodipine during pregnancy?
A:
Amlodipine is not considered ‘safe’ for use during pregnancy. Hence, it should not be usually used during pregnancy because there are other relatively safer alternatives to control blood pressure.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Amlodipine while breastfeeding?
A:
Whether Amlodipine passes into breast milk is not exactly known. Hence, you should avoid taking Amlodipine during breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Amlodipine?
A:
Be cautious as Amlodipine may make you feel dizzy or sleepy.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Amlodipine?
A:
Alcohol can raise the blood pressure, and hence, it is advised to be cautious.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
You have heart problem (aortic stenosis), very low blood pressure, liver disease, recent heart attack.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Calcium ions are necessary for active contraction of smooth muscles in the heart and blood vessels. Amlodipine inhibits transport of these calcium ions across membranes of heart cells and blood vessels; this inhibits cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contraction, thereby dilating the heart and arteries. Amlodipine reduces the load on the heart and decreases tension in blood vessels, thus lowering the blood pressure....
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
Many medicines are known to interact with Amlodipine; hence, the person is advised to consult with the doctor. Medicines that interact with Amlodipine include Dantrolene, Diltiazem, Nefazodone, Simvastatin, Pirfenidone, Ivacaftor, Amphetamine, Rifampicin, and Tacrolimus....
Interactions with food items
Grapefruit juice and grapefruit should not be consumed by people who are taking Amlodipine as these can cause a drastic drop in blood pressure.
Dietary Restrictions
If your doctor advised you a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow those directions carefully.
Dosage
Overdose
You must immediately report to an emergency medical care unit, as there are chances of excessive lowering of blood pressure, fainting, and slow, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness with an overdose. These complications could be fatal....
Missed a Dose
It is ideal not to miss a dose. You can take the missed dose when you remember it, if there is sufficient time left for the next scheduled dose. Do not compensate for the missed dose by taking an extra dose....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mansi Savla
B. Pharm, PharmD
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with the doctor before taking Amlodipine?
A: Tell your doctor if you have ever suffered from heart or liver disease or if you are a known case of heart failure. It is essential to mention it to your doctor if you are pregnant, are planning to be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about all your medicine you are already taking before starting Amlodipine.
Q: How and when should I take Amlodipine?
- You should take Amlodipine once a day, at the same time every day. You can take it either with or without food. Follow your doctor's exact instructions, and do not stop taking it or change your dose without checking with them first....
Q: What are the most common side effects of Amlodipine?
- The most common side effects are swelling in your ankles or feet, headache, feeling tired or sleepy, dizziness, flushing (a warm or red face), and nausea/stomach pain. These often improve over the first few weeks as your body adjusts....
Q: Can I stop taking Amlodipine if my blood pressure returns to normal?
- No. Amlodipine manages, but does not cure, high blood pressure. Stopping it suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise or your chest pain to get worse. You should continue taking it long-term as directed by your doctor, even if you feel fine....
References
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