Amlodipine Besylate
Amlodipine
Amlodipine Besylate is an oral medication used primarily to lower blood pressure and manage conditions like coronary artery disease and angina. It functions as a calcium channel blocker, relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce cardiac stress. Available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg tablets, it is prescribed for adults and children over six years old, with special dosage considerations for seniors and individuals with liver disease. When you want to buy Amlodipine from Canada easily you just have to provide a valid prescription given by your primary care physician.
Product Overview
Amlodipine Besylate, often referred to simply as Amlodipine, is a calcium channel blocker that helps treat high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and angina by inhibiting the influx of calcium into cardiac and arterial walls, allowing them to relax and better facilitate blood flow. This action not only helps lower blood pressure but also reduces the strain on the heart, lowering the risk of stroke and heart attack.
It is formulated in oral tablet form with dosages of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. The medication is typically prescribed for once-daily use and can be taken with or without food. For adults starting on Amlodipine for hypertension, the initial dose is generally 2.5 to 5 mg per day, potentially increasing to a maximum of 10 mg, depending on the patient’s response and tolerance.
Dosage adjustments are necessary for elderly patients and those with compromised liver function to mitigate the risk of prolonged drug presence in the body. Amlodipine’s efficacy in reducing blood pressure and alleviating chest pain is crucial for long-term cardiovascular health, but it must be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider to avoid potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
What Is Amlodipine Used For?
Amlodipine is commonly prescribed to treat the following conditions:
- It helps to lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Angina is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart
What Strengths Does Amlodipine Come In?
It comes in the form of oral tablets and has the following strengths:
- Amlodipine 2.5 mg tablet
- Amlodipine 5 mg tablet
- Amlodipine 10 mg tablet
What Is the Typical Dosage of Amlodipine?
The typical dosage of Amlodipine for managing conditions like high blood pressure or chest pain varies depending on individual health needs and the specific prescription your doctor provides. Usually, doctors begin with a standard dosage and adjust it based on how your body responds over time. It’s vital to understand that the dosage information mentioned here serves as a general guideline. If your doctor has prescribed a specific dosage that’s different from the usual starting dose, it is essential that you follow their instructions precisely and not alter the dosage on your own.
Dosage of Amlodipine for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- For Adult
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- Starting Dosage (18 to 64 years): Typically, 2.5 mg to 5 mg is taken orally once a day.
- Dosage Adjustments: Your doctor may adjust your dosage depending on how well your blood pressure is controlled. If it remains high after 7 to 14 days of treatment, your doctor might increase your dosage.
- Maximum Dosage: Up to 10 mg per day.
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- For Child
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- Typical Dosage (6 to 17 Years): 2.5 mg to 5 mg taken by mouth once per day. Doses over 5 mg have not been studied in children and are generally not recommended.
- Typical Dosage (0 to 5 Years): This medication is generally not prescribed for children younger than 6 years.
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- For Senior
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- Typical Dosage (65 Years & Older): 2.5 mg taken orally once per day. Seniors might need a lower dosage to compensate for this.
Dosage of Amlodipine for Coronary Artery Disease & Angina
- For Adult
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- Starting Dosage (18 to 64 Years): Typically, 5 mg is taken orally once a day.
- Maximum Dosage: Up to 10 mg per day.
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- For Child
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- Typical Dosage (0 to 17 Years): There is no recommended dosage for children for this condition.
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- For Senior
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- Typical Dosage (65 Years & Older): 5 mg taken by mouth once per day as older adults may metabolize drugs more slowly.
Special Dosage Considerations for People with Liver Disease
- Recommended Dosage: The suggested dosage is 2.5 mg, taken orally once per day.
[Note: Remember these recommendations may vary depending on person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How Do You Take Amlodipine?
When you are using Amlodipine for hypertension treatment and angina, you need to be careful about the usage and dosage. Below is the guide that you can follow to take these tablets properly:
- Take Amlodipine exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
- Make sure to follow all the directions on your prescription label and review any medication guides or instruction sheets provided. Your doctor may change your dose occasionally based on your condition.
- Amlodipine is typically taken once per day.
- Take the medication at the same time each day, which can be with or without food.
- If you are taking the oral suspension (liquid) form of Amlodipine, shake the bottle well before each use. Measure your dose using the measuring device that comes with the medicine, not a regular kitchen spoon.
- Your blood pressure should be checked regularly.
- If you are taking Amlodipine for high blood pressure, continue using it even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often does not have noticeable symptoms.
- Do not alter your doses or stop taking any of your medications without consulting your doctor.
- Your treatment plan may also include lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, weight management, and regular blood tests.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Amlodipine Work?
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that prevents calcium from entering heart and artery tissues, allowing them to relax. This widens the arteries, improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It also lessens the need for hospital treatment for chest pain. Amlodipine starts to work shortly after taking it, but full effects on blood pressure or chest pain may take a few days. Its effects last for about 24 hours with daily use. If you stop taking it, its effects can linger for about 10 days.
What Are the Important Safety Information of Using Amlodipine?
What Are the Side Effects of Amlodipine?
Common Amlodipine Side Effects: When taking Amlodipine, a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain, some people may experience side effects. These side effects are usually temporary, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. If you find that these side effects do not go away, become a nuisance, or get worse, it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help adjust your treatment to make it more comfortable for you. Here’s a breakdown of the common side effects you might encounter while taking Amlodipine:
- Abdominal pain: You might feel discomfort or an ache in your stomach area.
- Dizziness: You may feel light-headed or like you are about to faint, especially when standing up quickly.
- Feeling sleepy: Amlodipine can make you feel unusually tired or drowsy.
- Hot or warm feeling in your face (flushing): Your face may feel warm or appear red, which is a response to the blood vessels in your face widening.
- Nausea: You might feel like you are going to vomit.
- Swelling of your legs or ankles: This is caused by fluid buildup in these areas, a response to the way Amlodipine affects your circulation.
- Tiredness: You may feel a general sense of fatigue that isn’t caused by exertion.
- Very fast heart rate (palpitations): You might notice your heart beating faster than normal, which can feel like pounding or fluttering in your chest.
Serious Amlodipine Side Effects: Amlodipine is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain, not asthma. However, like any medication, it can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of these serious side effects, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. In cases where symptoms seem life-threatening, you should call your local emergency services or 911. Here’s a straightforward explanation of these serious side effects associated with Amlodipine:
- Low blood pressure symptoms:
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- Lightheadedness: You might feel unusually dizzy, especially when you stand up.
- Fainting: This is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness, often related to insufficient blood flow to the brain.
- Severe dizziness: A significant and disorienting sense of unbalance that can impede your ability to stand or walk normally.
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- Symptoms of a heart attack or worsening chest pain:
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- Shortness of breath: Feeling unable to catch your breath, which can occur even during rest.
- Nausea: An intense urge to vomit that accompanies chest discomfort.
- Upper body discomfort: This can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Chest pain or discomfort: This might feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest.
- Breaking out in a cold sweat: Suddenly sweating profusely despite no physical exertion.
- Unusual tiredness: Feeling exceptionally fatigued without a clear reason.
- Lightheadedness: Similar to the symptom of low blood pressure, where you might feel dizzy or as if you’re about to faint.
[Note: This list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Using Amlodipine?
Before beginning treatment with Amlodipine, or before purchasing affordable Amlodipine for blood pressure control, it’s crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your primary care physician. Here are some important warnings to consider:
- For People with Liver Problems: Amlodipine is broken down by your liver. If your liver function is impaired, Amlodipine may stay in your body for a longer time, increasing the likelihood of side effects. If you have severe liver issues, your doctor might reduce your dosage to help manage this risk.
- For People with Severe Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: If you have severe obstructive coronary artery disease, your arteries are very narrow, which reduces blood flow and increases the risk of serious issues like heart attacks or worsening angina (chest pain). In rare instances, starting Amlodipine or increasing the dose may further elevate this risk. If you have this condition, your doctor might start you on a low dosage of Amlodipine and monitor your treatment closely, or they may suggest a different treatment approach.
- For People with Severe Aortic Stenosis: Severe aortic stenosis is a condition where one of your heart valves is very narrow, reducing blood flow to your body. If you have this condition, taking Amlodipine could cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Your doctor might prescribe a lower dose of Amlodipine and monitor your condition closely during treatment, or they might suggest an alternative treatment.
- Allergy Warning: Amlodipine can cause severe allergic reactions. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Amlodipine in the past, do not take this drug again, as taking it could be fatal. Symptoms include:
- Swelling of your throat or tongue
- Trouble breathing
- Hives
- For Pregnant People: Studies in animals have shown adverse effects on the fetus when the mother is given Amlodipine. However, there have not been sufficient studies in humans to fully understand how the drug might affect a human pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. Amlodipine should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.
- For Older Adults (Seniors): As you age, your body may not process drugs as efficiently as it used to. This can lead to higher levels of Amlodipine in your body for a longer period, increasing the risk of side effects.
- For People Who Are Breastfeeding: Research indicates that Amlodipine can pass into breast milk, but it is not clear if it can cause side effects in a breastfed child. If you are breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor whether you should continue breastfeeding or discontinue the medication.
- For Children: Amlodipine is generally not prescribed for children younger than 6 years.
What Are the Boxed Warnings for Amlodipine?
Amlodipine for hypertension treatment comes with a black box warning, the most stringent warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This warning is meant to alert doctors and patients to potential severe risks associated with the medication.
- Pregnancy Risks: Do not take Amlodipine/valsartan if you are pregnant. If you are currently taking this medication and discover you are pregnant, discontinue its use immediately and consult your doctor. This medication can cause serious problems, including potential termination of the pregnancy.
What Precautions Should Be Taken While Taking Amlodipine?
When using Amlodipine for managing angina, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure it works safely and effectively. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Prior to starting Amlodipine besylate, make sure to tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease.
- Drinking alcohol can lower your blood pressure further and may increase certain side effects of Amlodipine.
- If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue using Amlodipine even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often shows no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
- Amlodipine should be used as part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly other medications. Adhere closely to your prescribed diet, medication schedule, and exercise routines.
- Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are currently taking.
- Your chest pain may worsen when you first start taking Amlodipine or when your dose is increased. If your chest pain is severe or ongoing, contact your doctor immediately.
- Do not take Amlodipine if you are allergic to it.
- To ensure Amlodipine is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have ever had:
- Liver disease.
- Severe narrowing of the aortic valve (aortic stenosis) or other heart problems.
- Coronary artery disease (clogged arteries).
What If You Miss a Dose of Amlodipine?
If you miss or skip a dose of Amlodipine for hypertension treatment, here’s what you should do:
- If you forget to take a dose of Amlodipine, you should take it as soon as you remember.
- If more than 12 hours have passed since your scheduled dose time, skip the missed dose and continue with your next dose at the regular time.
- If you are unsure about whether to skip the dose or take it, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much Amlodipine?
If you accidentally take too much Amlodipine for blood pressure control, you might experience extremely low blood pressure, which can be dangerous. The symptoms of an overdose may include:
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- A very fast heart rate
- Dizziness
If you believe you have taken too much Amlodipine, contact your doctor or get in touch with America’s Poison Centers. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency room. There is no specific antidote for an overdose of Amlodipine. Treatment involves managing the symptoms and side effects that occur as a result of the overdose.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How Do You Store Amlodipine?
To keep Amlodipine effective and safe, it’s important to store it properly. Here are some simple instructions for storing Amlodipine:
- Store Amlodipine at room temperature, ideally between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
- Keep the medication in its original container and ensure it is tightly closed to protect it from moisture.
- Protect this drug from light by storing it in a dark place.
- Avoid storing this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms, to prevent degradation.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Drugs Should Not Be Taken with Amlodipine?
Amlodipine is an effective medication for managing high blood pressure and chest pain, but it’s important to be aware of how it might interact with other substances you’re taking. These interactions can influence how well Amlodipine works or increase the risk of side effects. Let’s break down some common interactions:
- Heart Medications (like Diltiazem): Combining Diltiazem with Amlodipine can increase the level of Amlodipine in your body. This might lead to more noticeable side effects, such as dizziness or swelling.
- Antifungal Medications: Certain antifungals, including Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, and Voriconazole, can also raise Amlodipine levels in your blood. This means you might experience side effects more frequently or intensely.
- Antibiotics (such as Clarithromycin): Similar to antifungals, this antibiotic can boost the amount of Amlodipine in your bloodstream, enhancing the likelihood of experiencing side effects.
- Medications for Erection Problems: Drugs like Tadalafil (Cialis), Sildenafil (Viagra), Vardenafil (Levitra), and Avanafil, used to treat erectile dysfunction, can further lower your blood pressure when taken with Amlodipine. This could result in symptoms like feeling unusually dizzy or faint.
- Cholesterol Medication (Simvastatin): Taking Amlodipine with Simvastatin can increase the levels of Simvastatin in your body. This might amplify the risk of its side effects, which could include muscle pain or weakness.
- Immunosuppressive Drugs: Medications like Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine, which are used to control your immune system, can have their levels increased by Amlodipine. This means the side effects of these immunosuppressives might become more pronounced.
What Are the Other Interactions to Amlodipine?
In addition to medications, Amlodipine can interact with certain foods, drinks, herbs, or dietary supplements, which can affect how well the medication works or increase your risk of side effects. Here’s a simple rundown of these other interactions:
- Foods and Drinks: While there are no specific foods that you need to avoid with Amlodipine, it’s important to maintain a consistent diet. Sudden changes in your eating habits, especially those that involve foods high in potassium or sodium, can affect blood pressure levels and the effectiveness of Amlodipine.
- Grapefruit Juice: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are known to increase the blood levels of Amlodipine, which can enhance both its efficacy and side effects. It’s usually advised to avoid grapefruit juice while taking Amlodipine.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can intensify the blood pressure-lowering effects of Amlodipine, potentially leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. If you choose to drink, it should be done in moderation, and it’s a good idea to discuss it with your healthcare provider first.
- Herbal Supplements: Some herbal supplements can interact with Amlodipine. For example, herbs like St. John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of Amlodipine, while others like ginseng may increase blood pressure and counteract the effects of Amlodipine.
- Dietary Supplements: Certain dietary supplements, especially those that affect blood pressure or cardiovascular health, should be used cautiously. For instance, supplements like potassium can alter blood pressure levels, which might interfere with how Amlodipine works.
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Amlodipine. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Is a Better Alternative to Amlodipine?
People look for alternative medicines for Amlodipine when the medication does not suit them, or they do not get the desired results from it. However, you should always consult a licensed healthcare professional before changing your medication, and they will help you determine which substitute of Amlodipine will work best for you based on your medical condition and needs. Based on the conditions these medications treat, they are categorized as follows:
- Vasexten (barnidipine)
- Zanidip (lercanidipine)
- Aceon (perindopril)
- Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate)
- Cozaar (losartan)
- Plendil (felodipine)
- Atacand (candesartan)
- Diuril (chlorothiazide)
- Cardizem LA (diltiazem extended-release)
- Coreg (carvedilol)
- Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate)
- Cardene SR (nicardipine)
- Hygroton, Thialitone (chlorthalidone)
- Zestril, Prinivil (lisinopril)
- Zebeta (bisoprolol)
- Altace (ramipril)
- Epaned, Vasotec (enalapril)
- Adalat CC, Procardia (nifedipine)
- Lotensin (benazepril)
- Tenormin (atenolol)
- Lozol (indapamide)
- Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide)
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
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Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Amlodipine reduce blood pressure?
Amlodipine begins to lower blood pressure from the first day you take it, but it might take a couple of weeks to reach its full effect. You might not notice any symptoms initially when you start taking the medication. This is because high blood pressure often does not cause noticeable symptoms.
Is Amlodipine safe for kidneys?
Amlodipine is generally safe and effective for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) when used alone or as part of a combination therapy for managing high blood pressure.
Who cannot take Amlodipine?
You should avoid taking Amlodipine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or any other medication in the past, or if you have liver or kidney problems, heart failure, or if you have recently had a heart attack.
What is the difference between Amlodipine and Amlodipine besylate?
Amlodipine and Amlodipine besylate differ slightly. Amlodipine is the active drug itself, while Amlodipine besylate is the drug combined with a salt called besylate to improve its absorption and effectiveness.
Can I drink coffee while taking Amlodipine?
If Amlodipine makes you dizzy, it’s best to avoid activities like driving and operating machinery until you feel better. Reducing your intake of caffeine from coffee, tea, and alcohol might help manage this side effect. Keeping cool and using a fan can also be helpful.
What should you not drink with Amlodipine?
Drinking alcohol while taking Amlodipine can cause your blood pressure to drop too low, which might make you feel sleepy, dizzy, or give you a headache. If you experience these effects, it’s best to avoid alcohol.
Why should Amlodipine be taken at night?
Amlodipine can be taken either in the morning or at night, with no difference in effectiveness. What’s important is to take it at the same time every day to keep a consistent level in your body.
Is 5mg Amlodipine enough to lower blood pressure?
A starting dose of 5 mg of Amlodipine once daily is common for treating high blood pressure in adults. Some may start with a lower dose of 2.5 mg. Your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly and adjust the dose if needed to ensure the medication is working properly.
What is the primary purpose of Amlodipine?
Amlodipine is a medication known as a calcium channel blocker. It is primarily used to manage high blood pressure, which helps prevent serious conditions like heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It is also used to prevent and treat chest pain from heart disease.
Does Amlodipine cause weight gain?
While not common, some people taking Amlodipine report weight gain, which might be due to fluid retention, especially in the legs or ankles. Some people might even experience weight loss. If you notice significant weight changes or swelling, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
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