Amlodipine

What is Amlodipine used for?

Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and works primarily by reducing blood pressure which can help reduce or prevent future heart disease. It can also be used in preventing chest pain caused by angina[1]. 

How does amlodipine work?

Amlodipine works by blocking calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax and widen[1], which:  

• Lowers blood pressure  

• Improves oxygen delivery to the heart  

• Reduces the heart’s workload 

• Helps the heart to pump more efficiently[2][3] 

Who can take amlodipine?

When appropriate, amlodipine can be prescribed to most adults and children over the age of six to reduce blood pressure and angina pain [1]. 

However, amlodipine is not suitable for everyone. You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you: 

• Have ever had an allergic reaction to amlodipine or any other medicine 

• Have liver or kidney disease 

• Have heart failure or recently had a heart attack 

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding[3] 

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any conditions you may have before starting amlodipine, and always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[4].

What is the typical dosage of amlodipine?

Amlodipine comes in 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg tablets. You can also get a liquid form that comes in 5mg in 5ml and 10mg in 5ml. The usual starting dose is 5mg daily[1]. 

Depending on how well the amlodipine works, and how well you tolerate it, the dose may be increased or decreased with a maximum dose being 10mg. Your doctor or pharmacist will decide the correct dose for you, considering your full medical history the effect it is having on your blood pressure and if you are experiencing any side effects[1]. 

Doses may also be lower for children and the elderly[3]. 

How do you take amlodipine?

Amlodipine is usually taken once a day, around the same time. It can be taken with or without food, in tablet or liquid form. 

Tablets should be swallowed whole with water, but if it’s easier you can dissolve them in water and drink it immediately.  

If you take the liquid form, it should come with a syringe or spoon designed to hold the correct amount for your dose. If you do not have either, ask your pharmacist rather than using a kitchen teaspoon as you may take too much or too little.  

Do not take amlodipine with grapefruit juice as it can worsen side effects[1].  

Can you stop taking amlodipine?

Amlodipine treatment is usually for the long term, potentially for the rest of your life.  

If you wish to stop taking it, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist first because stopping can increase your blood pressure and your risk of a heart attack or stroke.  

If you’re experiencing side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist as they may be able to change your medication[1]. 

What do you do if you take too much amlodipine?

You may feel faint, dizzy or sleepy and have a rapid or irregular heartbeat if you take a larger dose of amlodipine than you’ve been prescribed[2]. 

The amount to cause an amlodipine overdose varies person to person, so you should contact a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you think you’ve taken more than you should have[1]. 

What do you do if you forget to take amlodipine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double up on doses[1][2]. 

What are the side effects of amlodipine?

The most common side effects of amlodipine will occur in around 1 in 100 people[1]. These include:  

• Headaches 

• Swelling in legs/ankles (oedema)  

• Dizziness  

• Flushing  

• A pounding heartbeat 

Less common but serious side effects occur in less than 1 in 10,000 people. This can include:  

• Stomach problems – severe pain, with or without diarrhoea, and nausea & vomiting as potential signs of pancreatitis 

• Eye and skin – the whites of your eyes or your skin turns yellow as a sign of liver problems 

You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist, or call 111 if you have either of the above symptoms. 

You should call 999 or go to A&E if you get chest pain that doesn’t stop after a few minutes, is new, or is worse if you already have angina, as this could be a sign of a heart attack. 

In exceptionally rare cases, you can have a severe allergic reaction to amlodipine. This will present as: 

• Swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue 

• Breathing rapidly or struggling to 

• Struggling to swallow as your throat feels tight 

• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale 

• You suddenly feel confused, dizzy or drowsy 

• There may be a swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling rash 

• A child experiencing a severe allergic reaction may become limp, floppy or unresponsive 

You should call 999 or go to A&E if this is happening[1][2]. 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with this medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional[4].

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice.

Medicines you can and can't take with amlodipine

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any other blood pressure medication, like ramipril or lisinopril. It is common to use these medications together, however there is a risk together they may reduce your blood pressure too much. 

Amlodipine can interact with other medications so you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re also taking[1]: 

• Antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin 

• Calcium channel blockers like veraplamil 

• Antifungal medication like ketoconazole 

• HIV or HCV medication 

• Anti-epilepsy medication 

• Immunosuppressants like ciclosporin 

• Simvastatin at doses of 20mg or more 

You should also be wary of taking amlodipine with St John’s wort, a herbal remedy for depression, which may affect how amlodipine works. 

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take before you start a new medicine, and follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[4].

Frequently asked questions about amlodipine

Can I drink alcohol while taking amlodipine?  

Yes, but alcohol can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase dizziness[1]. 

How long does it take for amlodipine to work? 

Your blood pressure may lower within a few days, but the full effect can take 1–2 weeks[1]. 

Can I stop taking amlodipine suddenly? 

You should not stop taking amlodipine without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first, because it could cause a spike in blood pressure or chest pain[1]. 

Are there other medicines for high blood pressure? 

Other calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, felodipine, lacidipine, and lercanidipine, can reduce high blood pressure like amlodipine. 

Two other calcium channel blockers, diltiazem and verapamil, work differently, but can also help. 

You can also use ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, and diuretics to help with blood pressure. 

Your doctor or pharmacist will decide which medication is most appropriate for your high blood pressure[1]. 

Are there other medicines for angina? 

Other calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine and felodipine, can prevent angina like amlodipine. 

Two other calcium channel blockers, diltiazem and verapamil, work differently, but can also help. 

You can also use nitrates, beta blockers, and nicorandil to help with angina. 

Your doctor or pharmacist will decide which medication is most appropriate for your angina[1]. 

Is amlodipine safe for long-term use? 

Yes, amlodipine is generally safe for long-term use, but it is important you have regular supervision by a doctor or pharmacist[1]. Many people find it works best when you take it for a long time. 

Is it safe to drive or cycle after taking amlodipine?  

Amlodipine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so avoid driving or cycling if you experience either of those symptoms[1].  

What food and drink should you avoid?  

Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. It can increase the amount of amlodipine in your body and increase the risk of side effects[1].  

Does amlodipine affect contraception?  

No, it does not stop any contraception from working. But some hormonal methods of contraception are not recommended if you have high blood pressure, so check with your doctor or pharmacist first[1]. 

Does amlodipine help with exercise? 

It can improve your tolerance for exercise by keeping your blood pressure stable during activity[2].

For the official NHS guide to amlodipine, visit their website.