Amlodipine is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood to the heart. If taken regularly, amlodipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication to take when you have chest pain.
How should this medicine
be used ?
Amlodipine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take amlodipine, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amlodipine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of amlodipine and gradually increase your dose. Amlodipine controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. Continue to take amlodipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amlodipine without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions
i should follow ?
Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine, call your doctor.
What special dietary
instructions should i follow ?
If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
What side effects can
this medicine cause ?
Amlodipine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs headache upset stomach stomach pain dizziness or lightheadedness drowsiness excessive tiredness flushing (feeling of warmth) Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: more frequent or more severe chest pain rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat fainting
What other information
should i know ?
What should i do if i
forget a dose ?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
