Introduction
Expert Advice
Take with or without meals, to prevent stomach upset take with meals, contact prescriber if there is unrelieved headaches, vomiting, constipation, palpitation, arm, leg or facial swelling, weight gain or difficulty in breathing
Indications
Amlodipine is approved by the FDA in 1987, is a popular antihypertensive drug belonging to the group of drugs called dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. Due to their selectivity for the peripheral blood vessels, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers lower the incidence of myocardial depression and cardiac conduction abnormalities than caused by other calcium channel blockers.
Amlodipine is commonly used in the treatment of high blood pressure and angina. Amlodipine has antioxidant properties and an ability to enhance the production of nitric oxide (NO), an important vasodilator that decreases blood pressure . The option for single daily dosing of amlodipine is an amazing feature of this drug.
Side Effects
Headache, edema, fatigue, nausea, flushing and dizziness, rash, alopecia, angioedema, palpitations, dyspnoea, abdominal pain, back pain
Contraindications
Cardiogenic shocks, aortic stenosis, unstable angina, left ventricular outflow obstruction, severe hypotension, unstable heart failure following MI, hypersensitivity to dihydropyridines.
Patients with kidney disease must be cautious.
How does this medication work?
This medication works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow easily.
Should I take this medication same time everyday?
Try to take this medication same time everyday?
Is this medication hard on the kidneys?
If this medication continues for a long time, it may damage the blood vessels of heart and kidneys.
Can I eat bananas while taking this medicine?
Avoid potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, and green leafy vegetables as this medicine already raises potassium concentrations in the body.
Will this medicine make me sleepy?
Yes, this medicine might make you sleepy. Using alcohol along with this medicine will worsen the symptom. Avoid driving.
Can children take this medicine?
This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 6 years.