Easy-to-read medicine information about amlodipine – what is it, how to take amlodipine safely and possible side effects. Amlodipine is commonly called Norvasc.
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What is amlodipine?
Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent angina (chest pain). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease how often you get chest pain. It works by relaxing your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, and in this way lowers your blood pressure. Amlodipine belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers. In New Zealand amlodipine is available in different strengths of tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg).
Dose
- The usual dose of amlodipine is 5 milligrams once daily. Some people may need a higher dose of 10 milligrams once daily.
- Always take your amlodipine exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much amlodipine to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
How to take amlodipine
- Timing: Take amlodipine once a day. Try to take your doses at the same time each day. You can take amlodipine with or without food. Swallow your tablet with a glass of water.
- Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking amlodipine. It may increase your chance of side effects such as feeling dizzy.
- Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
- Keep taking amlodipine regularly. Treatment with amlodipine is usually long term. Do not stop taking amlodipine suddenly; speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.
Precautions – before taking amlodipine
- Do you have problems with your liver?
- Are you pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding?
- Are you taking any other medicines? This includes any medicines you buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start amlodipine. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.
Side effects
Like all medicines, amlodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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| *Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product |
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Interactions
Amlodipine may interact with a few medications and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting amlodipine or before starting any new medicines, including those you may buy over the counter.
Learn more
The following links have more information on amlodipine.
Amlodipine (Māori) New Zealand Formulary Patient Information
Norvasc Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet
References
- Amlodipine New Zealand Formulary
- Medical management of stable angina pectoris BPAC, 2011
- An update on managing patients with atrial fibrillation BPAC, 2017