Amlodipine Tablet : Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Benefits for High Blood Pressure

Amlodipine Tablet : Several people from around the world suffer from high blood pressure and other heart-related illnesses. To control and minimize the risk of several heart-related illnesses, millions depend on medically prescribed anti-hypertensive and anti-anginal medications. A widely prescribed antihypertensive and antianginal is Amlodipine Tablet. As a calcium channel blocker, Amlodipine is very effective, inexpensive, and almost universally tolerated.

This article strives to cover the important aspects of Amlodipine tablets including their uses, advantages, side effects, dosage, and others.

Understand Amlodipine

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. It decreases blood pressure and increases oxygen flow to the heart.

Generic Name: Amlodipine

Brand Names: Norvasc, Amlopres, Amlodac, Side other brands

Class: Calcium Channel Blocker

Clinical Indication: Amlodipine tablet is dispensed for

1. Hypertension
2. Angina

Indication for Amlodipine Tablet

Amlodipine tablet is indicated for a number of cardiac health disorders. Some prescribed amlodipine for tablets for are:

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Amlodipine has been widely used to manage hypertension. It helps relax the arterial walls, thus reducing the resistance against which the heart has to pump blood. This helps in normalizing the circulation of blood to the body. Blood pressure control is important to prevent secondary complications like strokes, heart failure, and kidney failure.

2. Angina (Chest Pain)

For some patients who suffer from angina like chest pains because of inadequate blood perfusion to the heart muscles may also take advantage of Amlodipine. It is able to reduce the angina episodes by increasing the blood oxygenation of the heart muscle.

3. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Amlodipine is also indicated for patients with narrowed or obstructed coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart.

4. Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Off-Label Use)

Occasionally, Amlodipine is used off-label for patients diagnosed with Raynaud’s Phenomenon which is a condition characterized with inadequate blood supply to the peripheral digits (fingers and toes).

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Advantages of Amlodipine Tablet

Some of the important advantages is that amlodipine tablet is:

Convenient due to the fact that is can be taken once a day and also effective in lowering blood pressure.

Reduced chances of stroke and heart attack for patients with high blood pressure and angina.

Improved quality of life due and alleviated chest pain.

Long term use under supervision is safe and well tolerated compared to other antihypertensive agents.

Dosage of Amlodipine

Amlodipine tablet dosing is individualized based on age, medical condition, and response to treatment.

Typical Adult Dose for Hypertension and Angina:

Starting dose: 5mg and can be taken once daily.

Maximum dose: 10mg and can be taken once daily.

Children (6-17 years) with Hypertension:

2.5mg to 5mg can be taken once daily.

Elderly patients and patients with liver issues are dosed carefully, taken 2.5mg to start.

⚠️ Important, Amlodipine should never be taken unmonitored. It is never okay to cease taking Amlodipine without a prescription.

How To Take Amlodipine Tablet ?

Take the tablet with a full glass of water at the same time each day.

Daily dosage instructions should be followed without exception.

Possible Side Effects of Amlodipine

Most side effects are mild and temporary, while some can be serious.

Common Side Effects

• Swelling in ankles and feet

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Feeling warm (Flushing)

• Headache

• Fatigue

Serious Side Effects

• Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat

• Severe chest pain

• Breathlessness

• Allergic reaction (rash, itching, or swollen face/tongue)

• Liver dysfunction (skin or eyes turn yellow)

⚠️ Any patient with severe chest pain, fainting or breathing difficulties after taking Amlodipine needs immediate medical attention.

Cautions and Warnings

If you have/had any of the following medical conditions, you should discuss taking Amlodipine tablets with your doctor:

Liver disease
Heart failure
Pregnancy and lactation
Taking other medications (beta-blockers, some antifungals, or antibiotics)
A history of low blood pressure

It is strongly advised to avoid alcohol because it may worsen dizziness as well as the blood-pressure-lowering effect of Amlodipine.

Amlodipine Tablet Interactions

Amlodipine may act differently with some medicines and may have an increased side effect with other drugs. Some of the most serious include:

Simvastatin (cholesterol medicine)– Might increase risk of side effects with Amlodipine.
Clarithromycin & Erythromycin (antibiotics)– Amlodipine may be increased.
Antifungal drugs like Ketoconazole– Might cause negative interaction.
Other antihypertensive drugs– Can cause an excessive drop in blood pressure in combination with Amlodipine.

Always tell your doctor about all medications you are taking to help avoid dangerous interactions.

Amlodipine Blood Pressure Treatment Tips

Eat a low-sodium diet to help control blood pressure.As recommended by your doctor, commence a regular exercise regime.

Sustain your weight to within healthy recommendations.

Refrain from smoking, drinking, and other substance use.

Nominally once a week, at least, use a blood pressure apparatus to record your blood pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take for Amlodipine to work ?

It takes a few hours within which Amlodipine would start working, but it may take 7 to 14 days for maximum benefits to be observed.

2. Can I take Amlodipine at night ?

Certainly, Amlodipine can be taken at night, but it is better to take it in the morning. A dose is to be taken daily from dusk to dawn.

3. Is Amlodipine safe for long-term use ?

Absolutely. Many patients take Amlodipine safely for years while being medically supervised.

4. Can Amlodipine cause weight gain ?

For some, the answer is mildly, but it is not a universal, widespread answer.

5. Can I drink alcohol while taking Amlodipine ?

Lesser alcohol even Amlodipine, is better avoided, since it potentiates the spinning and low blood pressure.

Conclusion

An Amlodipine tablet is among the most effective medicines for high blood pressure and angina, and is therefore most frequently prescribed. It allows easier blood circulation by relaxing the blood vessels, which in turn allows the heart to pump blood easier and decreases risks of serious heart and blood-related diseases.However, it is available and quite affordable(since it is available as a generic drug and). Amlodipine is sold commercially as Amlodipine Besylate and is designated as a first-line agent in treating hypertension and coronary artery disease.