Other Brands/Names

A-B Vask, Actapin, Amcor, Amdixal, Amiten, Amivask, Amlocor, Amlogal, Amlogrix, Amloten, Belvas, Caduet, Calsivas, Cardicap, Cardisan, Cardivask, Comdipin, Coveram, Cydipin, Dilavask, Divask, Dovask, Ertensi, Ethivask, Exforge, Finevask, Fulopin, Gensia, Gracivask, Gravask, Hexavask, Hi-vask, Intervask, Lodipas, Lopiten, Lovask, Lovic, Lupin, Molesco, Normetec, Normoten, Norvask, Omesivask, Opivask, Pehavask, Provask, Samcovask, Selescardio, Simvask, Stamlo, Stamotens, Tensiblat, Tensicom, Tensivask, Theravask, Twynsta, Vasgard, Vaskhima, Vaskuten, Zenicardo, Zevask.

How It Works

Amlodipine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It helps lower high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, which allows the heart to pump more easily. Amlodipine also helps control chest pain by increasing blood flow to the heart. When this medicine is taken regularly, it can manage chest pain, but it is not effective for stopping chest pain that occurs suddenly or continuously.

Indications

Amlodipine can be used on its own or combined with other medications to treat high blood pressure in both adults and children aged 6 years and older. It is also prescribed for managing certain types of angina (chest pain) and coronary artery disease (a condition where blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed).

Contraindications

• Cardiogenic shock (a life-threatening condition caused by heart disorders)

• Unstable chest pain (chest pain lasting more than 20 minutes, which may occur suddenly in the middle of light activities or other things)

Side Effects

Common side effects may include dizziness, lightheadedness, and swelling or redness in the ankles. If these side effects continue or worsen, it’s important to contact your doctor. However, if you experience serious side effects such as palpitations, rapid or irregular heartbeat, worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, immediate medical attention is required.

Ready

Amlodipine is available in caplets and tablets with dosages of 5 mg or 10 mg.

Dosage

• Adults

  • Initial dose: 5 mg once daily.

  • The dosage may be adjusted based on individual response and their health conditions, with increases that can be done after 1-2 weeks.

  • Maximum dose: 10 mg once daily.

• Children (6-17 years old):
  • Initial dose: 2.5 mg once daily, which can be increased to 5 mg once daily after at least 4 weeks depending on how the child responds.
• Elderly:
  • Initial dose: 2.5 mg once daily.

Safety

Amlodipine may cause dizziness. Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you are certain that you can do so safely. During pregnancy, this medication should only be used if absolutely necessary. Discuss its use with your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits.

Drug Interactions

Changes in Amlodipine Serum Levels

Amlodipine in serum levels may increase when taken with certain medications, including:

• Immunosuppressants like cyclosporine or tacrolimus

• Azole antifungals

• Erythromycin antibiotics

• Diltiazem (a blood pressure-lowering drug)

Conversely, amlodipine’s blood pressure-lowering effects may be reduced when used with the antibiotic rifampin, commonly used to treat tuberculosis.

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