This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

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. It 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.

How to Take

For high blood pressure treatment: The usual starting dose for adults 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 dose is 2.5 milligrams once daily. The lower 2.5 milligram starting dose also applies if you have liver disease. The usual dose for children 6 to 17 years is 2.5 to 5 milligrams once a day. Doses exceeding 5 milligrams have not been studied in children.

Warning and Precautions

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. Check with your doctor before you stop taking Amlodipine, as a slow reduction in the dose may be needed.

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.

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. It 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.

Safety and effectiveness in children less than 6 years old have not been established.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Experience with Amlodipine is limited; but if you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. The most likely symptoms are a drop in blood pressure and a faster heartbeat.

Storage

Store Amlodipine between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Amlodipine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

More common side effects may include: dizziness, fatigue, flushing, fluid retention and swelling, headache, palpitations (fluttery or throbbing heartbeat).

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Amlodipine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.