Amlodipine
About Amlodipine
Amlodipine is used to treat angina, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. It is recommended in case of heart failure if other medications fail to work. Amlodipine is the key ingredient of this medicine. It increases the myocardial oxygen delivery in patients with vasospastic angina.
Amlodipine belongs to the class of a calcium channel blocker that inhibits calcium ion from entering the slow channels of vascular smooth muscle and myocardium during depolarization. This leads to cause relaxation of coronary vascular smooth muscle and coronary vasodilation.
The medicine should be taken as per the dosage on the prescription. Overdosage of the drug can lead to complications. Depending on the effects the drug has on a patient, the doctor may make variations to the dosage.
The medicine may not be safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Dosage should be low for elderly people and for those with liver problems. If you have heart problems then intake of Amlodipine may increase your health problems.
The primary cardiac symptoms of calcium blocker overdose includes hypotension and bradycardia. The hypotension is caused by peripheral vasodilation, myocardial depression, and bradycardia. Bradycardia results from sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, or sinus arrest with junctional rhythm.
Intraventricular conduction is usually not affected so QRS duration is normal (verapamil does prolong the P-R interval and bepridil prolongs the Q-T and may cause ventricular arrhythmias, including torsade de pointes).
In a few reported cases, overdose with calcium channel blockers has been associated with hypotension and bradycardia, initially refractory to atropine but becoming more responsive to this agent when larger doses (approaching 1 gram per hour for more than 24 hours) of calcium chloride was administered.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Amlodipine
Angina Pectoris
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Amlodipine ?
Cardiogenic Shock
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Amlodipine ?
Peripheral Edema
Flushing
Headache
Rash
Pruritus
Dyspepsia
Gingival Hyperplasia
Weakness
Hypotension
Syncope
Weight Gain
Flatulence
Urticaria
Agitation
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Amlodipine
How long is the duration of effect?
This effect of this medicine lasts for a duration of approximately 24 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 6 to 12 hours.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
Teratogenic and embryotoxic effects have been demonstrated in small animals. No well controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant women. Use in pregnancy only when clearly needed and when the benefits outweigh the potential hazard to the fetus.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendency has been reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
Clear data is not available on the use of this medicine in breastfeeding women. This medicine should be used only if clearly needed and no other safer alternative is available.
Does this affect liver function?
Dose adjustment is needed in case of hepatic impairment.
Does this affect kidney function?
No relevant information is available.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Missed Dose instructions
The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.
Where is the Amlodipine approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Amlodipine
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Amlodipine as ingredient
- Amlo 5 MG Tablet
Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Amlong 5 MG Tablet
Micro Labs Ltd
- Amdepin 5 MG Tablet
Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Aldo 10 MG Tablet
Shine Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Amloz 10 MG Tablet
Shreya Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd
- Amlodepin 5 MG Tablet
Zydus Cadila
- Milopin 2.5 MG Tablet
Baroda Pharma Pvt. Ltd
- Amlopin 5 MG Tablet
Usv Ltd
- Amvasc 2.5 MG Tablet
Parenteral Drugs (India) Ltd
- Amlong 2.5 MG Tablet
Micro Labs Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
Amlodipine works by inhibiting calcium ion from entering the "slow channels" or select voltage-sensitive areas of vascular smooth muscle and myocardium during depolarization, producing a relaxation of coronary vascular smooth muscle and coronary vasodilation; increases myocardial oxygen delivery in patients with vasospastic angina.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Amlodipine ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Interaction with Lab Test
Interaction with Medicine
Carbamazepine
The desired effect of Amlodipine will not be achieved if taken with carbamazepine. Inform the doctor if you are on either of the medicines. Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is necessary. An alternate medicine or suitable dose adjustments are to be made based on the clinical condition.Dexamethasone
The desired effect of Amlodipine will not be achieved if taken with dexamethasone. This interaction is more likely to happen if dexamethasone is taken for more than a week. Inform the doctor if you are on either of the medicines. Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is necessary. An alternate medicine or suitable dose adjustments are to be made based on the clinical condition.Itraconazole
Itraconazole may increase the concentration of Amlodipine and may cause serious adverse effects such as fluid retention, irregular heart rhythm, and low blood pressure. Inform the doctor if you are on either of the medicines. Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is necessary. An alternate medicine or suitable dose adjustments are to be made based on the clinical condition.Rifampin
The desired effect of Amlodipine will not be achieved if taken with rifampin. Inform the doctor if you are on either of the medicines. Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is necessary. An alternate medicine or suitable dose adjustments are to be made based on the clinical condition.Interaction with Disease
Hypotension
Amlodipine is not recommended in patients suffering from hypotension or cardiogenic shock as it further reduces the blood pressure.Interaction with Food
FAQs about Amlodipine
Ques : What is Amlodipine?
Ans : This medicine performs its action by promoting blood flow in the body. It is also used to avoid muscle to contract and coronary atherosclerosis.
Ques : What are the uses of Amlodipine?
Ans : It is used for the treatment and prevention of conditions and symptoms of diseases like Angina Pectoris and Hypertension.
Ques : How long do I need to use Amlodipine before I see improvement in my condition?
Ans : This drug is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.
Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Amlodipine?
Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.
Ques : Should I use Amlodipine empty stomach, before food or after food?
Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.
Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Amlodipine?
Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Also, keep this drug out of reach of children.
Ques : How long does it take for Amlodipine to work?
Ans : It 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.
Ques : Does Amlodipine cause itching?
Ans : Yes, it might cause itching in some patients, though it is a rare side effect. In case of severe itching, you must take medical help.
Ques : Should I take Amlodipine in the morning or at night?
Ans : This drug can be taken at any time in a day. Usually, it is advised to be taken in the morning, but your doctor may advise you to take it in the evening as well.
Ques : For how long do I need to take Amlodipine?
Ans : Consume this drug for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop the consumption of this drug without doctor’s permission.
Ques : Is Amlodipine a beta-blocker?
Ans : No, this medication is not a beta-blocker. It belongs to a class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. It helps in lowering the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can easily flow through the blood vessels.
Ques : What are the serious side effects of Amlodipine?
Ans : Side effects of this medication include yellowing of skin, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite), pancreatitis (severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting), and recurrent chest pain which may be indicative of a heart attack.
References
Amlodipine- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/amlodipine
Amlodipine 5 mg tablets- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2018 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6075/smpc
AMLODIPINE- amlodipine besylate tablet- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2008 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b52e2905-f906-4c46-bb24-2c7754c5d75b
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Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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