What is Amlodipine?

Amlodipine is a drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of chest pain (angina). It belongs to a class of drugs known as dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers.

How Amlodipine works?

Amlodipine works by blocking the inflow of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiac muscle cells.

On Blood Vessels: Its primary effect is on the smooth muscle cells which are present in walls of blood vessels (arteries and arterioles). By blocking the entry of calcium, which is necessary for muscle contraction, amlodipine causes these blood vessels to relax and widen. This is known as vasodilation. This helps to reduce force of pumping the blood into blood vessels; The direct result is a lowering of blood pressure.

On the Heart (for Angina): Amlodipine also dilates the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle itself. This increases oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, which helps relieve chest pain.

Side Effects:

• Swelling of the ankles, feet, or lower legs.
• Headache
• Flushing (a feeling of warmth in the face)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Tiredness
• Palpitations (a feeling of a fast or fluttering heartbeat)
• Low blood pressure

Dosage:

• Adults: Typically 5 mg once daily. The dose may be increased with monitoring of blood pressure
• Elderly Population: 2.5 mg once daily is starting dose. Dose increase should be done cautiously in elderly patients.

Quick Tips to Remember

• The most common side effect is ankle swelling. Remember to check your ankles.
• It's a convenient once-daily pill. Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain stable blood levels.
• Do not stop taking amlodipine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can cause a rapid increase in blood pressure.
• Regularly monitor your blood pressure at home or at your doctor's office to ensure the medication is working effectively.

Safety precautions:

• Alcohol: caution is advised when combining alcohol with Amlodipine tablet.
• Pregnancy: consult your physician if you are pregnant. Amlodipine may be unsafe to use in pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: Amlodipine is safe to consume during breastfeeding.
• Driving: it is unsafe to drive if you are on amlodipine therapy as it causes drowsiness, which could affect ability to concentrate and drive.
• Kidney: Amlodipine tablet is safe to use in kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed in elderly population. Consult your doctor.
• Liver: Amlodipine should be used with caution in liver disease. Dose adjustment is needed. Consult your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Amlodipine is metabolized by the liver enzyme system, primarily CYP3A4. Drugs that affect this enzyme can alter amlodipine levels in the blood.

• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Such as ketoconazole/itraconazole (antifungals), clarithromycin (antibiotic), and ritonavir (an antiretroviral).
• Grapefruit Juice: It can increase the amount of amlodipine in your bloodstream. It is often advised to avoid consuming large quantities.
• CYP3A4 Inducers: Such as rifampin (an antibiotic), carbamazepine/phenytoin (anti-seizure medications), and the herbal supplement St. John's Wort.
• Simvastatin: Amlodipine can increase the levels of simvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug), increasing the risk of muscle-related side effects. The dose of simvastatin may need to be limited.
• Other Blood Pressure lowering drugs:Taking amlodipine with other antihypertensives (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) can have an additive effect, which is often desired but requires monitoring to avoid excessively low blood pressure

📦 Storage

• Store at room temperature (68-77°F or 20-25°C)
• Keep in original container, tightly closed
• Protect from moisture and light