Amlodipine blocks calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. Calcium is essential for muscle contraction, so blocking it causes:
- Relaxation of blood vessels
- Lower blood pressure
- Less effort required by the heart to pump blood
✅ Common Uses of Amlodipine
| Condition | Effect |
|---|
| Hypertension (high BP) | Lowers blood pressure to reduce stroke/heart risk |
| Stable angina | Relieves chest pain by increasing blood flow |
| Variant angina (Prinzmetal) | Prevents coronary artery spasm |
| Coronary artery disease | Reduces risk of further cardiovascular events |
Sometimes combined with other drugs like:
- Valsartan, Olmesartan, Benazepril (in fixed-dose combinations)
- Atorvastatin (for heart disease and cholesterol)
💊 Dosage & Administration
- Typical starting dose (adults): 5 mg once daily
- Maximum dose: 10 mg once daily
- Elderly or liver disease patients: May start at 2.5 mg
- Children (6–17 years): 2.5–5 mg/day for hypertension
Can be taken with or without food.
⚠️ Common Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency |
|---|
| Swelling (edema), especially in ankles or feet | Very common |
| Fatigue or tiredness | Common |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness | Common (especially when standing up quickly) |
| Flushing (warmth/redness) | Common |
| Palpitations (irregular heartbeat) | Occasional |
| Headache | Common, especially at the beginning of treatment |
🚨 Serious Side Effects (Less Common)
| Condition | Signs/Symptoms |
|---|
| Severe hypotension | Fainting, dizziness, confusion |
| Worsening chest pain or heart attack | Can occur shortly after starting therapy (rare) |
| Liver issues | Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine |
| Allergic reaction | Rash, swelling, breathing difficulty (rare but serious) |
| Gingival hyperplasia | Overgrowth of gum tissue (rare, more with long-term use) |
❗ Warnings & Precautions
- Liver disease: Use with caution; may need lower dose
- Severe aortic stenosis: Can worsen symptoms
- Heart failure: May be used cautiously; swelling can be problematic
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not enough human data—consult doctor
🔄 Drug Interactions
- Simvastatin: Dose of simvastatin should not exceed 20 mg when used with amlodipine
- Other blood pressure meds: Can enhance the effect—monitor for low BP
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): May increase amlodipine levels
- Grapefruit juice: Generally okay, but high quantities may increase drug levels
📌 Key Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Type | Calcium channel blocker |
| Used for | Hypertension, angina, coronary artery disease |
| Dosage | 2.5–10 mg daily |
| Common side effects | Swelling, headache, dizziness |
| Serious risks | Low BP, allergic reaction, liver issues |
| Drug interactions | Statins, other antihypertensives |
🩺 Lifestyle Tips for Patients on Amlodipine
- Avoid sudden standing: May cause dizziness
- Watch for ankle swelling: Elevate legs, reduce salt intake
- Do not stop suddenly: Can worsen angina or increase BP
- Monitor blood pressure regularly
