This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

The U.S. FDA-approved Amlodipine to hypertension (high blood pressure) and a rare form of angina (prinzmetal or variant) on June 14, 1996. Amlodipine is an antianginal agent with an active ingredient called Amlodipine which belongs to the medication class known as calcium channel blockers.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Amlodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels by blocking calcium channels, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood flow. It also lowers the strain on the heart by expanding the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. It helps to decrease the blood pressure and improve blood circulation.

Uses of undefined

Amlodipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and a rare form of angina (prinzmetal or variant). In hypertension conditions, this medicine relaxes the blood vessels and makes the blood pass smoothly. In angina, it improves the blood supply, which prevents chest pain.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Take the Amlodipine tablet as your physician advises. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Kidney patients should take Amlodipine cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Also, in such cases, dose adjustment will be advised. Notify your doctor if you are consuming antibiotics or anticoagulants (blood clots). Suppose you experience encephalopathy (A condition characterized by impaired brain function).

Precautions

Inform your doctor if you are older or need any dose adjustments. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine should be only used for hypertension conditions in adolescents and children from 6 - 17 years of age. Do not consume grapefruit juice or grapefruit while taking this tablet. It is not suggested to use this medicine under the age of 6 years because it has yet to be studied.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Amlodipine are odeama (build-up of fluid), headache, dizziness, changes in bowel activity (diarrhea, constipation, indigestion ), eye disturbance, double vision, weakness irregular heartbeat. Serious side effects while taking Amlodipine are instant wheeziness, chest pain, shortness or difficulty breathing, swelling in eyelids, face, lips, throat, or tongue, skin problems (rashes, mucous membrane inflammation, Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), heart attack, abnormal heat beat pancreas inflammation.

Word Of Advice

Liver and heart patients should take Amlodipine cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice.  Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 25°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Ltd., Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on September 2022] [ Accessed on 29th May 2023],Version 1 (medicines.org.uk)
  2. Pfizer labs, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Accessed on 29th May 2023], Norvasc (amlodipine besylate) tablets label (fda.gov)

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.