Amlodipine

What amlodipine is for

Amlodipine is used to:

• lower high blood pressure (hypertension), reducing risk of serious problems like heart attacks and stroke
• prevent angina attacks in people with angina

Amlodipine is a type of medicine called a calcium-channel blocker.

It works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to pump around your body.

How to take amlodipine

Amlodipine comes as tablets or a liquid that you swallow.

You'll usually need to take it once a day, at the same time every day. You can take it before or after eating or drinking.

Your doctor will tell you how much to take and for how long. Most people with high blood pressure or angina will need long-term treatment.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of amlodipine

If you miss a dose of amlodipine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much amlodipine

Taking an extra dose of amlodipine can be be dangerous.

Side effects of amlodipine

Like all medicines, amlodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Some side effects should ease after a week or so as your body gets used to the medicine, but others can last longer.

Common side effects

Common side effects of amlodipine include:

• swelling in your ankles, feet and legs (oedema)
• headaches, dizziness and feeling sleepy
• a fast heartbeat, or feeling like your heartbeat is more noticeable (palpitations)
• a red and warm face or neck (flushing)
• tummy pain and feeling sick (nausea)
• constipation or diarrhoea
• feeling weak and tired (fatigue)

If you feel dizzy or sleepy after taking amlodipine, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Serious side effects

Amlodipine can sometimes cause serious side effects, but these are rare.

Possible serious side effects of amlodipine include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• swelling of your pancreas (acute pancreatitis), which can cause a sudden and severe tummy pain that does not go away
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome – a serious skin reaction that causes blistering of the skin, painful sores and skin peeling, as well as flu-like symptoms

Though it is very rare, amlodipine can cause heart attacks.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of amlodipine.

For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet, or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website

Who can and cannot take amlodipine

Most adults and children over the age of 6 can take amlodipine, but it's not suitable for some people.

For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from amlodipine or a similar medicine before
• you have low blood pressure
• you have heart failure
• you have had a recent heart attack
• you have a history of heart valve disease, such as narrowing of your heart valves

Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and amlodipine

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Amlodipine is not usually used if you're breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and amlodipine

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking amlodipine.

Amlodipine is not usually recommended during pregnancy, as there are similar medicines that are safer.

But amlodipine may be used if these other medicines do not work and it's important that your condition is treated while you're pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

Find out more about taking calcium-channel blockers such as amlodipine during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicine in Pregnancy) website

Taking amlodipine with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with amlodipine.

These include:

• simvastatin, which is a type of statin
• some antibiotics, such as rifampicin
• other blood pressure medicines
• some medicines to treat fungal infections, such as fluconazole
• some medicines to treat HIV
• medicines that change how your immune system works (immunosuppressants), such as ciclosporin or tacrolimus
• herbal medicines, such as St John's wort

Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food and alcohol with amlodipine

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine because it can increase the chance of side effects.

Try to limit how much alcohol you drink while taking amlodipine as it can increase the risk of low blood pressure.