Amlodipine

Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure and to prevent angina (chest pain). Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. Amlodipine is also called Norvasc.

Type of medicine	Also called
Antihypertensive (to lower blood pressure) Used to prevent chest pain (angina) Belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers	Apo-Amlodipine® Auro-Amlodipine® Norvasc®

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.

Side effects	What should I do?*
Tiredness Headache Feeling flushed (red in the face) Nausea (feeling sick)	These are quite common when you first start taking amlodipine, and usually go away after the first few days Tell your doctor if troublesome
Dizziness Feeling lightheaded Feeling faint when you stand up	Be careful when getting up from either lying down or sitting to avoid falls. These effects put you at risk of falls and injuries, especially if you are elderly Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you Avoid drinking alcohol Tell your doctor if troublesome
Swollen ankles or feet	Tell your doctor
Changes in your heartbeat (either too fast or irregular)	Tell your doctor
Worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the chest	Tell your doctor immediately or ring HealthLine 0800 611 116
*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

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.