Brand names Istil
Used in the following combined preparations None
General Information
Amlodipine belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers, which
interfere with the conduction of signals in the muscles of the heart and blood
vessels.
Amlodipine is used in the treatment of angina to help prevent attacks of chest
pain. Unlike some other antiangina drugs (such as beta blockers), it can be
used safely by asthmatics and noninsulin-dependent diabetics. It is
often successful when other treatments have failed. Amlodipine is also used to
reduce raised blood pressure.
In common with other drugs of its class, amlodipine may cause blood pressure to
fall too low. In rare cases, angina may become worse at the start of amlodipine
therapy. This drug may sometimes cause mild to moderate leg and ankle swelling.
Quick Reference
Drug group Anti-angina drug , antihypertensive drug
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
Information for Users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking
with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets.
Frequency and timing of doses
Once daily.
Adult dosage range
5-10mg daily.
Onset of effect
6-12 hours.
Duration of action
24 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose and you remember it within 12 hours, take it as soon as you
remember. However, if you do not remember until later, do not take the missed
dose at all and do not double up the next one. Instead, go back to your regular
schedule.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large
overdoses may cause a marked lowering of blood pressure. Notify your doctor
immediately.
Possible Adverse Effects
Amlodipine can cause a variety of minor adverse effects, including leg and ankle
swelling, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Dizziness, especially on
rising, may be the result of an excessive reduction in
blood pressure. The most serious effect is the rare possibility of angina
becoming worse after starting amlodipine treatment. This should be reported to
your doctor.
Interactions
Beta blockers Amlodipine may increase the effect of these drugs.
Special Precautions
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have heart failure.
You have diabetes.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
It is not known if the drug passes into the breast milk. Discuss with your
doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how amlodipine affects you because
the drug can cause dizziness owing to lowered blood pressure.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may further reduce blood pressure, causing dizziness or other
symptoms.
Prolonged Use
No problems expected.
Amlodipine
Brand name Istin
Used in the following combined preparations None
