Skip to content

Amlodipine

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine class, taken as a tablet to lower blood pressure and to ease angina. It acts on the muscle inside artery walls. Tablets are supplied in 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg strengths.

Medicine containing Amlodipine

Amlodipine

Hypertension, Angina Pectoris

2.5 · 5 · 10mg

Amlodipine tablets contain amlodipine for hypertension and angina pectoris. You can choose from several strengths and pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$0.31/ tabletView

Key points

  • Amlodipine limits the movement of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle, so vessels relax and widen.
  • Its effect builds over roughly 6 to 12 hours and holds for about 24 hours.
  • The ingredient is supplied alone and in combination products that pair it with other active ingredients.

What it is used for

Amlodipine treats hypertension and angina pectoris. In hypertension it reduces the pressure inside the arteries. In angina, the widened vessels carry more oxygen to the heart muscle, which can ease chest pain.

How it works

Calcium ions normally pass through channels into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessel walls. Amlodipine inhibits this transmembrane influx. The muscle relaxes, the vessels dilate, and blood pressure falls.

Forms and brands

The Amlodipine tablet comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg strengths and sits under Heart & Blood Pressure. Both branded generics and generics are supplied, and some amlodipine products elsewhere combine it with a second active ingredient. Pharmacy partners in India prepare orders and ship them to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Amlodipine should not be used in severe hypotension or shock. It may impair the ability to drive. In hepatic impairment it is used with caution, and the dose is raised gradually. During pregnancy a specialist should be consulted; breastfeeding calls for caution. Dosing is standard for adults, with caution in paediatric hypertension.

Headache, oedema and fatigue are the minor reactions. Swelling is the most frequently reported one and becomes more common at higher doses. Dizziness and palpitations may also occur. Angina pectoris is a serious effect that needs immediate medical attention.

Amlodipine interacts with simvastatin and tacrolimus. Grapefruit juice can raise the amount of the medicine in the body and strengthen its blood-pressure-lowering effect.

What the sources say

  • Symptomatic low blood pressure is possible, especially in people with severe aortic stenosis, though the gradual onset makes acute hypotension unlikely. (DailyMed)
  • Worsening angina and acute myocardial infarction can follow the start of treatment or a dose increase, particularly where severe obstructive coronary artery disease is present. (DailyMed)
  • Absolute bioavailability is estimated at 64 to 90%, and the terminal elimination half-life is about 30 to 50 hours, lengthening to roughly 56 hours in impaired hepatic function. (DailyMed)

Further reading

Last updated