Amlodipine tablet Uses, Side Effects and Storage

Enter the realm of better heart health with Amlodipine tablets. In this article, we’ll explore the various Amlodipine tablet uses and how they contribute to your well-being. Amlodipine tablets are a widely prescribe medication known for their effectiveness in managing high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. Let’s uncover the essential roles these tablets play in maintaining cardiovascular wellness, providing you with insights into how Amlodipine can positively impact your life.

Amlodipine tablet Uses

Amlodipine tablet uses to treat two conditions: hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). These are the specific uses of amlodipine:

1. High blood pressure: Amlodipine is often prescribe to lower high blood pressure. By relaxing and widening the blood vessels, it helps to reduce resistance in the arteries, allowing blood to flow more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. one of the most amlodipine tablet uses is high blood pressure
2. Angina: Amlodipine tablet uses to treat certain types of angina, particularly chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal’s or variant angina). Angina occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced, causing chest pain or discomfort. The vasodilating properties of amlodipine help to improve blood flow to the heart and relieve angina symptoms.

It’s important to note that amlodipine is use as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for these conditions. It may be prescribe alongside other medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors or diuretics, depending on the individual’s specific needs and health status.

Amlodipine tablet Side Effects

Like all medicines, amlodipine can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences these side effects, some common amlodipine tablet side effects associated with amlodipine include:

1. Swelling: Amlodipine can cause swelling of the ankles, feet or hands. This is called peripheral oedema and is caused by fluid retention. It is usually mild and temporary but should be reported to your healthcare provider.
2. Flushing: Some people may experience flushing, which is a feeling of warmth and redness in the face, neck, or upper body.
3. Headache: Headache may be a side effect of amlodipine. These headaches are usually temporary and will go away with continued use.
4. Dizziness: Amlodipine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially if you stand up quickly. Getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position is recommended to minimise this effect.
5. Tiredness: Some people may experience feelings of tiredness or fatigue while taking amlodipine.

These amlodipine tablet side effects are usually mild and do not require medical attention unless they persist or become bothersome. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, it’s important to tell your doctor. It’s worth noting that amlodipine can also have rare but more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include fast or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, chest pain, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience one of these serious symptoms, call your doctor right away.

How does an Amlodipine tablet work?

1. Amlodipine works by blocking the influx of calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and heart muscle cells. It belongs to the class of drugs called calcium channel blockers CCBS. Calcium plays an important role in the regulation of muscle contraction, including the contraction of smooth muscle in blood vessels and the heart.
2. When taken, amlodipine selectively inhibits the entry of calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells that line the blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, a process known as vasodilation. This vasodilation reduces resistance in the blood vessels and allows blood to flow more easily, thereby lowering blood pressure.
3. In addition to its effects on blood vessels, amlodipine also acts on heart muscle cells. By blocking calcium channels in the heart muscle cells, it reduces the contractility of the heart muscle. This reduces the workload on the heart and the demand for oxygen, which can be beneficial in the treatment of angina.
4. Overall, amlodipine’s dual action of vasodilatation and reduction in heart muscle contractility helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, making it an effective treatment for high blood pressure and certain types of angina.

How to take an Amlodipine tablet?

1. Dosage: Amlodipine is usually taken orally as tablets or capsules. The dosage depends on your specific condition and needs. The usual starting dose for treating high blood pressure is 5 mg once daily, and the dose may increase as needed. For angina, the usual starting dose is 5 mg to 10 mg once daily.
2. Timing: Amlodipine may take with or without food. It’s best to take it at the same time each day to get into a routine.
3. Swallow: Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet unless specifically told to do so by your doctor.
4. Compliance: Take your amlodipine exactly as prescribe by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop taking your medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel better. High blood pressure and angina are chronic conditions that often require long-term treatment, and abruptly stopping the medication may have adverse effects.
5. Missing dosage: If you accidentally miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next schedule dose, skip the missing dosage and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to cover up for a missed dose.
6. Drug interactions: Tell your doctor or health care professional about all the medicines, supplements, or herbs you use before you start taking amlodipine. Some drugs may interact with amlodipine, reducing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
7. Follow-up: Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checkups to monitor your response to amlodipine and to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Precautions and Warnings of Amlodipine tablet

1. Allergies: Tell your doctor if you are allergic to amlodipine or any other medicines. Allergic reactions to amlodipine are rare but may occur, causing symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
2. Liver disease: Amlodipine is mainly metabolise by the liver, so caution advise in people with liver disease. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose or choose an alternative medicine.
3. Heart problems: Amlodipine is generally safe for use in people with heart conditions such as coronary artery disease or heart failure. However, it’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any heart conditions you have as amlodipine may interact with certain medications used for these conditions.
4. Low blood pressure: Amlodipine may cause a small drop in blood pressure, especially when starting or increasing the dose. If you have low blood pressure or are prone to hypotension, use caution when taking amlodipine. Regular blood pressure checks are recommend.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Amlodipine is generally consider safe during pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Amlodipine can pass into breast milk, so caution is advise when breastfeeding. Your doctor or health care professional can advise you on the use of amlodipine in these situations.

6. Grapefruit juice: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or grapefruit products while taking amlodipine as they may interfere with the metabolism of the medicine and increase the risk of side effects.
7. Surgery: If you are going to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking amlodipine. He or she may recommend that you temporarily stop taking this medicine before surgery.

Drug interactions with Amlodipine tablet

Other blood pressure medicines Taking amlodipine with other blood pressure medicines such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors or diuretics may increase the blood pressure lowering effect. However, care should take to avoid excessive lowering of blood pressure.

1. CYP3A4 inhibitors: Amlodipine is metabolise in the liver by the enzyme CYP3A4. Medications that inhibit this enzyme, such as certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin) or antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), may increase the levels of amlodipine in your body. This may increase the risk in amlodipine tablet side effects. Dosage adjustments may require when amlodipine is co-administer with CYP3A4 inhibitors.
2. CYP3A4 inducers: Medications that induce CYP3A4 activity, such as rifampin or St. John’s wort, may decrease the concentration of amlodipine in the body. This may reduce the effectiveness of amlodipine in lowering blood pressure.
3. Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice may inhibit the activity of CYP3A4 and increase the levels of amlodipine in the body. It is recommend that you avoid drinking grapefruit juice or grapefruit products while taking amlodipine.
4. Simvastatin: Simvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, may interact with amlodipine and increase the risk of muscle-related side effects. Close monitoring and dose adjustment may need when these drugs use together.
5. Alpha-blockers: Combining amlodipine with alpha-blockers such as doxazosin or prazosin may result in additive blood pressure lowering. Close monitoring is recommend when using these drugs together.
6. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of amlodipine and increase the risk of kidney problems. It’s important to use NSAIDs cautiously and under the supervision of a healthcare professional when taking amlodipine.

 Storage and Disposal of Amlodipine tablet

Storage:

1. Read the packaging: Follow the storage instructions on the packaging or those given by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
2. Room temperature: Store amlodipine at room temperature, typically between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
3. Keep out of the reach of children and pets: Keep amlodipine in a safe place out of reach of children and pets. Consider using childproof containers if necessary.

Disposal:

1. Check expiry date: Check the expiry date on the packaging. Expired or unused medicine should not be kept or consumed.
2. Don’t share medicines: Do not share amlodipine with others, even if they have similar conditions, as it is prescribed based on individual needs and medical history.
3. Correct disposal: Follow any local regulations or guidelines for the proper disposal of medicines. Some options to consider are

1. Drug take-back programmes: Check to see if there are any authorised medication take-back programmes or events in your community. These programmes allow for the safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications.
2.  Pharmacy or healthcare provider: Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice on how to dispose of amlodipine properly.
3. Household trash: If no specific disposal instructions are available, you can dispose of amlodipine by mixing it with an unwanted substance such as used coffee grounds or cat litter. Place the mixture in a sealed bag or container and dispose of it with your household waste. It’s important to remove any personal information from the medicine packaging before disposal.

Do not flush down the toilet or pour down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so.

Conclusion:

Amlodipine tablet uses is a widely prescribed medication for managing hypertension and certain heart conditions. Its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure and relaxing blood vessels has made it a crucial component of cardiovascular treatment. However, individuals considering an Amlodipine tablet should consult their healthcare provider to determine its suitability, as its usage may vary based on individual health profiles. Adherence to prescribed dosages and regular medical check-ups can ensure optimal benefits from Amlodipine tablet while minimizing potential amlodipine tablet side effects.

*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and appropriate treatment.

Author Contribution: Reviewed by Dr Ram Reddy, MD – General Physician, Rajeshwar Rao, Pharm D.