Amlodipine
Information about Amlodipine
Amlodipine uses
Amlodipine is used in the treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure) and Angina (heart-related chest pain).
How amlodipine works
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. In high blood pressure, it normalizes the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels to reduce the pressure on them, thereby improving the blood flow in the body. The enhanced blood flow in the body, further relaxes the heart muscles by reducing the workload on the heart. It also improves the oxygen flow in the body, thereby, preventing any heart-related chest pain.
Common side effects of amlodipine
Headache, Nausea, Abdominal pain, Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), Dizziness, Palpitations, Edema (swelling), Hypotension (low blood pressure), Chest pain, Fainting, Muscle cramp, Visual disturbance, Shortness of breath, Change in bowel habits, Weakness, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Mood changes, Depression, Tremors, Taste change, Hypoesthesia (decreased sensitivity to stimuli), Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), Vomiting, Dryness in mouth, Rash, Muscle pain, Back pain, Frequent urge to urinate, Impotence, Breast enlargement in male, Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Low blood platelets, Allergic reaction, Increased glucose level in blood, Confusion, Hypertonia (increased muscle tone), Pancreatic inflammation, Gingival hyperplasia, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Available Medicine for Amlodipine
Expert advice for Amlodipine
- You have been prescribed Amlodipine to improve your blood pressure and/or to reduce the number and severity of angina attacks.
- Lowering blood pressure reduces the chance of future heart attack and stroke.
- Take it at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
- A sudden drop in your blood pressure may occur, especially when you first start taking Amlodipine. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- It can cause ankle or foot swelling. To reduce the swelling, raise your legs while you are sitting down. Talk to your doctor if it does not go away.
- It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or perform any activity that requires mental focus until you know how Amlodipine affects you.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Amlodipine
Amlodipine
Q. How long does it take for Amlodipine to work?
Amlodipine starts working on the day it is taken. However, it may take weeks to see the full effect. You should continue taking the medicine even if you feel better or if you do not notice any considerable difference. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns or you feel worse after taking the medicine.
Q. Does Amlodipine cause itching?
Amlodipine may cause itching in some patients, though it is an uncommon side effect. However, if you experience severe itching contact your doctor.
Q. Is Amlodipine bad for the kidneys?
No, there is no evidence that Amlodipine causes deterioration of kidney problems. Amlodipine can be used in normal doses in patients with kidney problems. In fact, its blood pressure-lowering effect, it helps to prevent injury to the kidneys due to hypertension.