Yes! You've come to the right place ‒ Health Navigator NZ is now Healthify He Puna Waiora

Low on data? Visit zero.govt.nz then click on our logo to return to our site and browse for free.

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).
Amlodipine is also called Apo-Amlodipine®, Auro-Amlodipine® or Norvasc®.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

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 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 doctor 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. You can take amlodipine with or without food. Swallow your tablet with a glass of water.
Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking amlodipine. It may increase your chance of side effects such as feeling dizzy.
Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
Keep taking amlodipine regularly. Treatment with amlodipine is usually long term. Do not stop taking amlodipine suddenly; speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.

Do you have problems with your liver?
Are you pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding?
Are you taking any other medicines? This includes any medicines you buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.

If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start amlodipine. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

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)	These are quite common when you first start taking amlodipine, and usually go away after the first few days Tell your doctor if troublesome
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 are elderly Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you Avoid drinking alcohol Tell your doctor if troublesome
Swollen ankles or feet	Tell your doctor
Changes in your heartbeat (either too fast or irregular)	Tell your doctor
Worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the chest	Tell your doctor immediately or ring HealthLine 0800 611 116
Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product(external link) (external link)

Amlodipine may interact with a few medications and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting amlodipine or before starting any new medicines, including those you may buy over the counter.

The following links have more information on amlodipine.

Amlodipine(external link) (Māori(external link)) NZ Formulary Patient Information
Norvasc(external link) Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet