What is amlodipine tablet and how is it taken?

According to statistics, it can be said that more than 30% of the population over 18 years old in Iran have high blood pressure. Amlodipine is a familiar name for most of these people. To have more information about this drug, stay with us until the end of this article from the online positive green pharmacy magazine.

What is amlodipine tablet for?

Amlodipine tablets are used to treat high blood pressure, some types of angina, and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by changing the movement of calcium in heart and blood vessel cells. This causes blood vessels to dilate, and in this case, oxygen supply to the heart increases and blood pressure decreases. Amlodipine is only available as tablets in pharmacies. This drug may be prescribed along with other heart medications.

How Amlodipine works

Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Taking amlodipine prevents calcium from entering certain tissues and arteries. In this case, the blood reaches the heart more easily. As a result, blood pressure decreases and the probability of heart attack decreases. If you take amlodipine for chest pain, this medicine can reduce the risk of hospitalization and surgery for chest pain.

How to take amlodipine tablets

The dosage of this medicine depends on the individual’s condition in terms of health, age and doctor’s discretion. Amlodipine is available in doses of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg:

Alodipine dosage for blood pressure

Adults 18 to 64 years old:

Starting dose: 5 mg per day

The doctor may gradually increase the dosage at his discretion.

Maximum dose: 10 mg per day

Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years old:

Starting dose: 2.5 to 5 mg per day. In this age group, a dose higher than 5 mg per day has not been studied.

This medicine is not used for children under 6 years of age.

Adults 65 years and older:

Starting dose: 2.5 mg per day.

• Attention: Medicines are processed more slowly in the body of elderly people. Therefore, elderly people may need a lower dose than young and middle-aged people.

People with kidney problems should not use this drug more than 2.5 mg per day. If the liver does not function well, the risk of side effects may increase.

Side effects of amlodipine tablets

Amlodipine tablets may cause severe drowsiness. It can also cause other side effects, the most common of which include:

• Swelling of the foot or ankle
• Extreme fatigue or sleepiness
• Stomach ache
• nausea
• dizziness
• hot flashes
• Irregular heartbeat
• heart beat
• Abnormal muscle movements
• shaking

These side effects usually disappear within a few days. But if it continues, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Dangerous and serious side effects of amlodipine

Excessive lowering of blood pressure is one of the side effects of amlodipine tablets, which can be accompanied by these symptoms:

• severe dizziness
• lightheadedness
• faint

Excessive chest pain and heart attack: When you first start taking amlodipine or increase your dose, your chest pain may get worse or you may have a heart attack. Symptoms of this complication include the following:

• Pain in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Unusual fatigue
• nausea
• lightheadedness

If you see these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.

Drug interactions of amlodipine tablets

Before starting to take amlodipine, give your doctor a list of the medications you are taking. Amlodipine tablets may interact with many medications:

Heart medications

Taking diltiazem with amlodipine can increase the level of amlodipine in your body and cause side effects.

Antifungal drugs

Taking amlodipine with these medicines may increase the level of amlodipine in your body and cause side effects. Examples of these drugs include:

• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole
• Voriconazole

Antibiotics

Taking clarithromycin with amlodipine can increase the level of amlodipine and cause the possibility of side effects.

Erectile dysfunction drugs

Taking amlodipine with these drugs can increase the risk of low blood pressure (hypotension). Examples of these drugs include:

• Sildenafil
• Tadalafil
• Avanafil
• Vardenafil

Cholesterol medicine

Taking simvastatin with amlodipine can increase the level of cholesterol in your body and cause side effects.

Immune control drugs

Taking amlodipine with these drugs can increase their levels in the body and cause side effects. These drugs include: Cyclosporine and tacrolimus.

Symptoms of allergy and sensitivity to amlodipine tablets

If you are allergic to amlodipine, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Breathing disorder
• Swelling of the throat or tongue
• urticaria

Amlodipine use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Animal studies have shown that there may be risks to the fetus if the mother uses amlodipine tablets. But human studies in this field are not complete. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, ask your doctor before taking amlodipine.

Some research has shown that amlodipine passes into breast milk, but it is not known whether it causes side effects in a nursing baby. If you are breast-feeding, consult your doctor about using amlodipine.

Warning about taking amlodipine tablets

Pay attention to the following:

• People with liver problems should not use high doses of amlodipine tablets. Amlodipine is processed by the liver. If the liver is not working well, more of this drug may stay in the body for longer, increasing the risk of side effects.
• If you have heart problems such as narrowing of the arteries, amlodipine may increase your health problems. For example, blood pressure may drop too much, chest pain may occur, and a heart attack may occur. In this case, you should consult a doctor.
• Never drink alcohol at the same time as amlodipine because it may lower blood pressure too much.

The best time to take amlodipine tablets 5

It is better to use amlodipine on an empty stomach. This medicine should usually be taken only once a day. However, prioritize the doctor’s order and use this medicine according to the order given by him.

The difference between amlodipine and amlodipine

Amlopress is the brand name of amlodipine. So there is no difference between the two. Many people use the name Amlodipine instead of Amlodipine.

final word

What is amlodipine tablet for? 1- Lowering blood pressure 2- Treating some types of angina 3- Improving coronary artery diseases. You must use this pill with a doctor’s prescription. We explained how to use, side effects and drug interaction of this pill. Also, if you have any questions, ask us in the comments section.