Amlodipine

Sounds like 'am-LOE-di-peen'

Key points about amlodipine

Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure and to prevent angina (chest pain). It comes as a tablet.
Amlodipine is also called Vasorex®.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

HN 0789 female pharmacist working in dispensary of community pharmacy 1

Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent angina (chest pain). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease how often you get chest pain. It works by relaxing your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, and in this way lowers your blood pressure.

Amlodipine belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers.

In Aotearoa New Zealand amlodipine is available in different strengths of tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg).

The usual dose of amlodipine is 5 mg once daily. Some people may need a higher dose of 10 mg once daily.
Always take your amlodipine exactly as your prescriber has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much amlodipine to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

Timing: Take amlodipine once a day. Try to take your doses at the same time each day.
Swallow your tablet with a glass of water.
Food: You can take amlodipine with or without food.
Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the usual time. Don't take double the dose.

Here are some things to know when you're taking amlodipine. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Other medicines:
- Amlodipine interacts with some medicines, herbal supplements (eg St John's Wort) and rongoā Māori, so check with your healthcare provider before starting amlodipine and before starting any new products.
- Amlodipine can interact with anti-inflammatories you can buy over the counter, such as diclofenac (eg, Voltaren®), ibuprofen (eg, Nurofen®), or aspirin (eg, Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). Anti-inflammatories can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (eg, Nurofen Cold and Flu®).
Alcohol: Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking amlodipine. It may increase your chance of side effects such as feeling dizzy.
Keep taking amlodipine regularly: Treatment with amlodipine is usually long term. Don't stop taking amlodipine suddenly, talk to your healthcare provider before stopping.
Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine. It can increase your chance of side effects. Read more about grapefruit and medicines.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

Like all medicines, amlodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Tiredness Headache Feeling flushed (red in the face) Nausea (feeling sick) Stomach pain	These are quite common when you first start taking amlodipine, and usually go away after the first few days. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Dizziness Feeling lightheaded Feeling faint when you stand up	Be careful when getting up from either lying down or sitting to avoid falls. These effects put you at risk of falls and injuries, especially if you're an older adult. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Swollen ankles or feet Changes in your heartbeat (either too fast or irregular)	These are common. Tell your doctor.
Worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the chest	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rashes, itching, blisters, peeling skin, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or have problems breathing	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.