Amlodipine:

Amlodipine is an antihypertensive medication used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (angina) caused by narrowed coronary arteries in the heart.

Amlodipine besylate, also known as amlodipine, belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and reduces the effort the heart needs to pump blood.

This medication is available in tablet form with 5 mg or 10 mg of amlodipine besylate, either as a generic or under brand names like Norvasc. It should only be used with a cardiologist's guidance.

What is it used for?

Amlodipine is indicated for:

• High blood pressure (above 140/90 mmHg)

• Chest pain (angina) caused by reduced blood flow in the heart’s arteries

• Stable chronic coronary artery disease

It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs such as olmesartan, valsartan, bisoprolol, or ramipril, as well as with diuretics, to enhance its blood pressure-lowering effect.

Is amlodipine a diuretic?

Amlodipine is not a diuretic. It is a calcium channel blocker used to lower blood pressure.

It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the body and the arteries that supply the heart muscle, helping to lower blood pressure and relieve symptoms of angina.

Learn more about other types of blood pressure medications.

How to take

Amlodipine should be taken orally with a glass of water, with or without food.

Amlodipine 5 mg

The 5 mg tablet, as well as the 10 mg tablet, should be taken once daily as directed by a cardiologist.

The recommended starting dose for treating high blood pressure or angina in adults is 5 mg once a day. This dose may be increased to 10 mg once daily depending on treatment response.

Amlodipine 10 mg

Amlodipine 10 mg tablets are also used to treat high blood pressure or angina in adults.

The usual dose is 10 mg once a day, based on a doctor’s recommendation. This dose is typically prescribed when blood pressure or angina symptoms are not adequately controlled with 5 mg.

Valsartan + amlodipine

Valsartan + amlodipine tablets (available as Diovan Amlo Fix, Brasart BCC, or Bravan Duo) contain 80 mg, 160 mg, or 320 mg of valsartan combined with 5 mg or 10 mg of amlodipine.

For adults with high blood pressure, the recommended dose is one tablet once a day.

Treatment usually begins with the lower doses (80 mg + 5 mg) and can be increased up to a maximum of 320 mg + 10 mg per day if necessary.

This combination should only be used if prescribed by a cardiologist, who will determine the appropriate dose based on the severity of the condition.

Amlodipine + atenolol

Amlodipine besylate + atenolol capsules (Betalor) are indicated for treating high blood pressure or stable chronic coronary artery disease in adults.

The recommended starting dose is one capsule containing 5 mg of amlodipine and 25 mg of atenolol, taken once daily.

If needed, the cardiologist may increase the dose to one capsule containing 5 mg of amlodipine and 50 mg of atenolol per day.

Amlodipine + losartan

Capsules containing amlodipine besylate + losartan potassium (Lotar) are available with 2.5 mg or 5 mg of amlodipine and 50 mg or 100 mg of losartan.

For adults with high blood pressure, the recommended starting dose is one capsule with 2.5 mg of amlodipine and 50 mg of losartan per day.

Depending on treatment response, the dose may be increased to 5 mg + 50 mg or 5 mg + 100 mg once daily, as determined by the doctor.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of amlodipine include swelling in the legs or ankles, dizziness, drowsiness, facial flushing, or a sensation of heat in the face.

Other side effects may include muscle pain, cramps, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, excessive fatigue, or constipation.

Although less common, amlodipine may also cause heart palpitations, tremors, dry eyes, ringing in the ears, unusual dreams, increased urination, or allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.

Does amlodipine cause weight loss?

Amlodipine besylate does not promote weight loss and is not recommended for this purpose.

However, some people may experience a loss of appetite as a side effect, which can reduce food intake and potentially lead to weight loss.

Additionally, since blood pressure treatment often involves dietary changes and physical activity, some weight loss may occur as a result, helping to better manage blood pressure. Read more about the high blood pressure diet your doctor may recommend.

Who should not take it

Amlodipine should not be used by children, or by people with severe liver impairment or congestive heart failure.

It is also contraindicated in individuals allergic to amlodipine or to other dihydropyridine medications such as levamlodipine, nifedipine, lacidipine, lercanidipine, felodipine, or isradipine.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, amlodipine should only be used if prescribed by a doctor after weighing the potential risks and benefits for both mother and baby.