What it is used for
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Chest pain from angina (coronary artery disease)
- Coronary spasm
How it works
Amlodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels by blocking calcium from entering the muscle cells in artery walls. This lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump, and it improves blood flow to the heart muscle to ease angina.
How it is taken
Usually taken by mouth as a tablet, and also available as an oral liquid in some countries. It is generally taken once a day, with or without food, and works best when taken at about the same time each day. Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist directs and follow the label; do not change or stop it on your own even if you feel well, as blood pressure often has no symptoms.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Ankle or leg swelling (oedema)
- Flushing or feeling warm
- Headache
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Tiredness
- Palpitations
Serious effects — get help
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- New or worsening chest pain shortly after starting (seek urgent care)
- Very fast or irregular heartbeat
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Other blood-pressure-lowering medicines (additive effect)
- Simvastatin and some other statins (dose limits may apply)
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice (may raise drug levels)
- Certain antifungal and antibiotic medicines that affect liver enzymes
- Sildenafil and similar erectile-dysfunction medicines (added drop in blood pressure)
Who should take care
- Tell your clinician if you have liver problems or severe heart failure
- Discuss use in pregnancy or breastfeeding with your doctor
- Use caution if you have very low blood pressure or severe aortic narrowing
- Rise slowly from sitting or lying down to avoid dizziness
- Mention all other medicines and supplements you take