What amlodipine is used for
Amlodipine is a prescription medicine used to treat high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and to prevent angina, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers.
High blood pressure is very common in India and often causes no symptoms until it leads to a stroke, heart attack or kidney damage. Amlodipine is one of the medicines doctors most often choose to start with, and it is frequently combined with others, such as telmisartan, when one medicine is not enough. That combination is always the doctor's decision.
- High blood pressure
- Stable angina (chest pain on exertion)
- As part of combination treatment for BP
How amlodipine works
Muscles in the walls of blood vessels need calcium to tighten. Amlodipine blocks calcium from entering these muscle cells, so the vessels relax and widen. Blood flows more easily, and blood pressure comes down. Relaxed arteries also reduce the work the heart has to do, which helps prevent angina.
Amlodipine works slowly and steadily over a whole day. Its full effect on blood pressure builds up over one to two weeks, so readings may not drop immediately after starting. Your doctor will usually review your readings after a few weeks before deciding whether any change is needed, so be patient and keep taking it as prescribed.
Amlodipine side effects: common and serious
The most common side effect is swelling of the ankles and feet, which happens because small blood vessels widen. It is not usually a sign of heart or kidney failure, but tell your doctor about it. Other common effects include headache, flushing, dizziness, tiredness, palpitations and, occasionally, stomach upset.
Some people notice swollen or overgrown gums, which regular brushing and dental care can help. Serious side effects are uncommon. They include very low blood pressure causing fainting, and worsening chest pain when starting treatment in people with severe heart disease. Rarely, allergic reactions or liver problems occur.
Who should take extra care with amlodipine
People with severe narrowing of the aortic heart valve, very low blood pressure, recent heart attack, unstable angina or heart failure need careful assessment by a doctor. People with liver disease may need a different amount. Elderly people are more prone to dizziness when standing up quickly.
Amlodipine is only on a doctor's prescription. In pregnancy and breastfeeding, doctors weigh the benefits and risks, and other BP medicines may be preferred, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. It is used in children only under specialist care.
Amlodipine interactions to know
Some medicines raise amlodipine levels and increase side effects such as low blood pressure and swelling. These include certain antifungals like ketoconazole and itraconazole, clarithromycin, some HIV medicines and diltiazem. Amlodipine can raise the level of simvastatin, so doctors limit the amount of that statin used together.
Other BP medicines, water tablets and some medicines for prostate problems or erectile dysfunction can add to the BP-lowering effect and cause dizziness. Painkillers like ibuprofen and diclofenac can raise blood pressure and weaken amlodipine's effect. Grapefruit can raise amlodipine levels slightly. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use.
Practical tips for using amlodipine
Take amlodipine at the same time each day, exactly as prescribed, with or without food. Do not stop it just because your BP is normal; that usually means it is working. Check your BP at home or at a clinic as your doctor advises, and bring your readings to each visit.
Reduce salt, pickles, papads and packaged snacks, eat more fruit and vegetables, walk regularly, stay at a healthy weight, limit alcohol and stop smoking. For ankle swelling, raising your legs when sitting may help, but mention it to your doctor. Stand up slowly if you feel dizzy.
When to talk to your doctor about amlodipine
See your doctor if ankle swelling is troublesome, if you feel dizzy or faint, or if your BP readings stay high. Seek urgent care for chest pain that is new, worse or lasts more than a few minutes, severe headache, breathlessness or weakness on one side of the body. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before changing BP medicines.
Related medicines
Only your doctor can decide which medicine, dose and combination is right for you.
- ARBs such as telmisartan or losartanRelax blood vessels by blocking the hormone angiotensin.Only on a doctor's prescription; not used in pregnancy.
- ACE inhibitors such as ramipril or enalaprilLower BP and protect the heart and kidneys.Only on a doctor's prescription; can cause a dry cough.
- Thiazide-type diuretics such as chlorthalidoneHelp remove extra salt and water to lower BP.Only on a doctor's prescription; salts in the blood need checks.
- Beta-blockers such as metoprololSlow the heart and lower BP, used especially after heart attacks.Only on a doctor's prescription; do not stop suddenly.
See a doctor urgently if
- Chest pain that is new, worsening or lasts more than a few minutes
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Sudden weakness, numbness, slurred speech or drooping of the face
- Very high BP readings with severe headache, blurred vision or confusion
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing
Tests that may help
This article is general health information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or combine medicines on your own — always follow your doctor's prescription and ask your pharmacist if unsure.