Amlodipine is prescribed for angina, a condition characterized by episodes of crushing chest pain that usually results from a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle due to clogged arteries.

Amlodipine is also prescribed for high blood pressure. Amlodipine is a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker. These drugs dilate blood vessels and slow the heart to reduce blood pressure and the pain of angina.

Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells lining the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Since calcium is important in muscle contraction, blocking calcium transport relaxes artery muscles and dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. By relaxing coronary arteries, Amlodipine is useful in preventing chest pain (angina) resulting from coronary artery spasm.

Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body lowers the blood pressure, which reduces the burden on the heart as it pumps blood to the body.

Reducing heart burden lessens the heart muscle demand for oxygen, and further helps to prevent angina in patients with coronary artery disease.

Amlodipine Dosage

• High Blood Pressure:
  • Adults: The usual starting Amlodipine dose is 5 milligrams taken once a day. The most you should take in a day is 10 milligrams. If your doctor is adding Amlodipine to other high blood pressure medications, the Amlodipine dose is 2.5 milligrams once daily. The lower 2.5-milligram starting Amlodipine dose also applies if you have liver disease.
  • Older Adults: You will be prescribed a lower starting Amlodipine dose of 2.5 milligrams.
    
    
• Angina:
  • Adults: The usual starting Amlodipine dose is 5 to 10 milligrams once daily. If you have liver disease, the lower 5-milligram Amlodipine dose will be used at the start.
  • Older Adults: The usual starting Amlodipine dose is 5 milligrams. Your doctor may adjust the Amlodipine dose based on your response to the Amlodipine.

Special information on Amlodipine, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding: The effects of Amlodipine during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Amlodipine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Amlodipine may appear in breast milk. If Amlodipine is essential to your health, your doctor may tell you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment with Amlodipine is finished.

Most Important Fact Amlodipine: If you have high blood pressure, you must take Amlodipine regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Amlodipine; and you must continue taking Amlodipine even if you are feeling well. Amlodipine does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

Amlodipine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Amlodipine.

More common side effects of Amlodipine: May include, Dizziness, fatigue, flushing, fluid retention and swelling, headache, palpitations (fluttery or throbbing heartbeat).

Less common side effects of Amlodipine: May include abdominal pain, nausea, sleepiness.

Rare side effects of Amlodipine: May include: Abnormal dreams, agitation, allergic reactions, altered sense of smell or taste, anxiety, apathy, back pain, chest pain, cold and clammy skin, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), constipation, coughing, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, difficult or painful urination, difficulty swallowing, dizziness or light-headedness when standing, double vision, dry mouth, dry skin, excessive urination, eye pain, fainting, frequent urination, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, heart failure, hives, hot flashes, inability to sleep, increased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, inflamed blood vessels, inflamed pancreas, irregular heartbeat, irregular pulse, itching, joint pain or problems, lack of coordination, lack of sensation, loose stools, loss of appetite, loss of memory, loss of sense of identity, low blood pressure, migraine, muscle cramps or pain, muscle weakness, nasal inflammation, nervousness, nosebleed, pain, purple or red spots on the skin, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, sexual problems, skin discoloration, skin inflammation, slow heartbeat, stomach inflammation, thirst, tingling or \"pins and needles,\" tremor, twitching, urinating at night, urinating problems, vertigo, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, weight gain.

Why should Amlodipine not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Amlodipine, do not take this medication.

Special Warning About Amlodipine:
Check with your doctor before you stop taking Amlodipine, as a slow reduction in the dose may be needed. Your doctor will prescribe Amlodipine with caution if you have certain heart conditions or liver disease. Make sure the doctor is aware of all your medical problems before you start therapy with Amlodipine. Although very rare, if you have severe heart disease, you may experience an increase in frequency and duration of angina attacks, or even have a heart attack, when you are starting on Amlodipine or your dosage is increased. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.