Amlodipine (By mouth)

am-LOE-di-peen

Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). This medicine is a calcium channel blocker.

Drug classes

Antianginal, Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Amlodipine is used alone or together with other medicines to treat angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It affects the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, amlodipine relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at the same time each day.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours since your last dose, then skip the missed dose and take the next dose when you normally would.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how amlodipine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:

Clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, itraconazole, ritonavir, sildenafil, simvastatin, tacrolimus

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to amlodipine.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or aortic stenosis.

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.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

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 normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Lightheadedness, dizziness

New or worsening chest pain

Swelling in your hands, ankles, or legs

Trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Hypertenipine-2.5, Norvasc

There may be other brand names for this medicine.