Uses
What is amlodipine used for?
Amlodipine is commonly used for the following conditions.
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Coronary artery disease, which is a type of heart disease
- Angina, which is a type of chest pain
Amlodipine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does amlodipine work (mechanism of action)?
Amlodipine relaxes your blood vessels so that blood can move through them more easily and your heart does not have to work as hard.
How is amlodipine supplied (dosage forms)?
Amlodipine is available as Katerzia, Norliqva, Norvasc and generic amlodipine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 2.5 mg oral tablets
- 5 mg oral tablets
- 10 mg oral tablets
- 1 mg/mL oral solution (Norliqva only)
- 1 mg/mL oral suspension (Katerzia only)
How should I store amlodipine?
Oral Tablet and Oral Solution. Amlodipine oral tablets and solution (Norliqva) should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container. Protect from direct sunlight.
Oral Suspension. Amlodipine oral suspension (Katerzia) should be stored in a refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Avoid freezing and excessive heat. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of amlodipine?
The most common side effects of amlodipine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Stomach pain and nausea
- Tiredness and sleepiness
- Swelling of your legs and ankles (edema)
- Dizziness
- Hot or warm feeling in your face (flushing)
There may be other side effects of amlodipine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of amlodipine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of amlodipine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Amlodipine may cause low blood pressure, especially if you have severe aortic stenosis, a condition where your heart valve does not open all the way. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Increased Angina or Heart attack. When you first start taking amlodipine or increase your dose, your chest pain (angina) may get worse or you may have a heart attack. This risk is higher if you have severe obstructive coronary artery disease, a condition where the blood vessels that deliver blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your heart get blocked. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.
- Severe chest pain, which may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing or aching
- Discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw
- Cold sweat
- Unusual tiredness
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use amlodipine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use amlodipine products:
- Amlodipine
- Amlodipine benzoate
- Amlodipine besylate
- Katerzia
- Norliqva
- Norvasc
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific amlodipine products they stock.
What should I know about amlodipine before using it?
Do not take amlodipine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share amlodipine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep amlodipine out of the reach of children.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using amlodipine?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if amlodipine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions
- Heart problems
- Liver problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Amlodipine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using amlodipine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how amlodipine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Amlodipine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does amlodipine interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between amlodipine and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect amlodipine.
Does amlodipine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using amlodipine.
- Diltiazem, which is a medicine commonly used to treat heart problems
- Simvastatin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood and to reduce the risk of heart disease
- A type of medicine called a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, such as sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio, and others), which is used for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others) and tacrolimus (Prograf, Astagraf, and others), which are medicines to suppress your immune system
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of amlodipine, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much amlodipine?
If you or someone else has used too much amlodipine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of amlodipine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take amlodipine tablets if it has been over 12 hours since you missed your last dose. Just wait and take it at your regular time.
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