Uses and Side Effects of Amlodipine Besylate

It is being used in the management of hypertension to treat high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart disease. Secondly, it is a calcium channel blocker means it lower the blood pressure in our body. It slowing calcium movement in the cells and widens blood vessels. Amlodipine Besylate is being used as combined therapy with other medications such as atorvastatin, benazepril, celecoxib, lisinopril, olmesartan, valsartan, perindopril, and telmisartan, etc. Trade names of amlodipine contain Norvasc, Sofvasc, Zodip, Newday, Canta, and Amlotin, etc.

In some cases, Valsartan is also being added along with Amlodipine to control high blood pressure. Such combination includes

5mg Amlodipine Beslyate + 80mg Valsartan

5mg Amlodipine Besylate + 160mg Valsartan

10mg Amloipine Besylate + 160mg Valsartan

Indications

Hypertension: Amlodipine tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension and it also controls blood pressure as well. It is an ACE inhibitor or beta-blockers, which helps to control blood pressure within few days.

Myocardial Ischemia: Amlodipine is also being used to treat myocardial ischemia either alone or in combination with other anti-anginal drugs.

Dosage and Administration

For both hypertension and angina usual initial dose is 1 tablet of Amlodipine or 5mg daily. It can be increased to 10mg depending upon the patient’s response. Secondly, an initial antihypertensive dose of amlodipine 2.5 or ½ (half) tablet of 5mg is recommended for small, fragile, or elderly patients. On the other hand for hepatic function impairment, 5mg of amlodipine is recommended. The drug particularly amlodipine should be used under strict medical supervision or only used by the advice of a physician.

Side Effects of Amlodipine Besylate

Amlodipine is well tolerated in placebo-controlled clinical trials of hypertension or angina. The most common and uncommon side effects of amlodipine contain

Headache

Edema

Fatigue

Nausea

Flushing

Dizziness

Electrolyte imbalance

Hyperglycemia

Renal failure

Renal Dysfunction

Intestinal Nephrites

Alopecia

Blurred vision

Clinically significant Adverse Reactions

Fulminant Hepatitis

Rhabdomyolysis

Agranulocytosis

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use amlodipine in pregnancy and lactation. Consult your physician before taking amlodipine in pregnancy and lactation.

Contraindications

Amlodipine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dihydrophyridines.

Frequently asked Questions

What is the dosage of Amlodipine Besylate?

2.5mg is being given to children, while 5mg and 10mg is being used by adults.

What is the function of Amlodipine?

The main function of amlodipine is to control blood pressure. It is simply being used to treat hypertension and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Vasospastic Angina, Chronic Stable Angina, and Angiogrophically Documented CAD.

Which brand of Amlodipine is mostly being used worldwide?

Norvasc is mostly being used worldwide.

How long should I use Amlodipine?

You can use Amlodipine as long as your physician has advised. Sometimes it has been used for a lifetime.

Is Amlodipine a safe drug?

Yes, it is a safe drug but do not recommend Amlodipine to a person who has low blood pressure, because it lowers the blood pressure.

What is the right dosage of Amlodipine Besylate?

2.5mg/day is being given to children above 6 years. Do not give Amlodipine to children less than 6 years.

5mg-10mg is being given to adults and geriatric patients. It all depends on your blood pressure. The dose can be increased from 5mg to 10mg while monitoring BP level within 7-14 days.  

Which medicine should I do not take along Amlodipine?

Do not use Amlodipine with Idelalisib, nefazodone and diltiazem.

When to use Amlodipine Besylate?

As we know that our normal blood pressure is 80/120. When it exceeds from 80/120 to 90/130, 100/140, or 110/150 or exceed, then you can use Amlodipine Besylate to control your blood pressure.