Amlodipine

Amlodipine — Uses and Benefits

Amlodipine is commonly prescribed for people with high blood pressure and certain heart-related chest pain conditions.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treating high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Preventing episodes of angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart)
• Managing certain types of coronary artery disease as advised by a doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• It relaxes and widens blood vessels by blocking calcium entry into vascular muscle cells
• This reduces the resistance the heart has to pump against, lowering blood pressure
• It also improves blood supply to the heart muscle, reducing chest pain episodes

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not used for immediate relief of an ongoing heart attack
• It is not a painkiller for general body pain
• It is not used to treat infections or fever
• It should not be used to self-treat sudden severe chest pain without medical evaluation

How to Use Amlodipine

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day
• Can be taken with or without food
• Swallow the tablet with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain steady blood levels
• Continue taking it even if you feel well, as it controls but does not cure high blood pressure

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use the medicine after its expiry date
• Keep in the original strip or container until ready to use

Amlodipine — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Swelling of ankles or feet
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Flushing (redness/warmth of face)
• Fatigue or tiredness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Palpitations (feeling of fast or irregular heartbeat)
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Muscle cramps
• Sleep disturbances

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Very fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or difficulty breathing
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
• Severe or worsening chest pain

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Amlodipine — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be taken only under a doctor's supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to amlodipine or other calcium channel blockers
• Have severe low blood pressure
• Have unstable heart conditions without medical guidance

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver disease
• Have heart failure or other heart conditions
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are already taking other blood pressure medicines

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other blood pressure-lowering medicines
• Certain antifungal or antiviral medicines
• Simvastatin (may need dose adjustment)
• Medicines affecting liver enzymes such as some antibiotics

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop taking this medicine once my blood pressure is normal?

No, stopping suddenly can cause blood pressure to rise again; continue as advised by your doctor.

Can this medicine cause swelling in my legs?

Yes, mild ankle or foot swelling is a known side effect and should be reported if it becomes bothersome.

Is it safe to take this medicine with grapefruit juice?

• It is best to avoid grapefruit juice as it may affect how the medicine works; ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.