About

Amlodipine is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of chest pain (angina). It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers, which work by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

Amlodipine helps reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and prevent chest pain caused by angina.

It is commonly prescribed for:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Stable angina (chest pain)
• Prinzmetal’s (variant) angina

Amlodipine is usually available in the form of:

• Tablets (5 mg and 10 mg)
• Oral suspension or solution (in some formulations)

How and When to Use It

Take amlodipine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Dosage: The usual adult starting dose is 5 mg once daily, which may be increased to a maximum of 10 mg daily if needed.

It can be taken with or without food, at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet with water. Do not chew or crush it.

Continue taking amlodipine even if you feel well — high blood pressure often has no symptoms. Do not stop suddenly without speaking to your doctor.

Contraindications

Amlodipine should not be used if you have:

• Allergy to amlodipine or any other calcium channel blocker
• Severe low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Shock (including cardiogenic shock)
• Heart failure due to recent heart attack (use with caution)

Side Effects

Like all medicines, amlodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects:

• Swelling of ankles or feet (oedema)
• Flushing or feeling warm
• Headache
• Dizziness or tiredness
• Palpitations (awareness of heartbeat)

Less common or serious side effects:

• Stomach pain, nausea, or indigestion
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
• Severe low blood pressure or fainting (rare)
• Liver function changes (rare)

Contact your doctor if swelling, dizziness, or flushing become troublesome, or seek urgent medical help if you experience chest pain that worsens or sudden shortness of breath.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Fertility

Amlodipine should only be used during pregnancy if advised by a doctor, as safety data is limited.

Small amounts may pass into breast milk, but it is not known to harm the baby. Your doctor may suggest alternative medicines if appropriate.

There is no evidence that amlodipine affects fertility in men or women.

Interactions With Other Medications

Amlodipine can interact with certain medications:

• Other blood pressure medicines — may increase the blood pressure–lowering effect
• Simvastatin — dose of simvastatin may need to be reduced
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) — may increase amlodipine levels
• Grapefruit juice — may increase side effects
• Alcohol — can enhance dizziness and low blood pressure

Frequently Asked Questions