Amlodipine Tablets

What is this medication?

AMLODIPINE (am LOE di peen) treats high blood pressure and prevents chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which helps decrease the amount of work your heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Norvasc

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to amlodipine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Clarithromycin
• Cyclosporine
• Diltiazem
• Itraconazole
• Simvastatin
• Tacrolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care provider what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact him or her.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your health care provider for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Facial flushing, redness
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What should you avoid when taking amlodipine?

You should avoid eating a lot of grapefruit or drinking a lot of grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine. Too much of this fruit can worsen your side effects by increasing how much medicine you have in your body.

You may also want to avoid taking St. John’s wort while taking amlodipine. This herbal supplement may impact how amlodipine works.

Why take amlodipine in the morning?

There isn’t enough data to recommend taking amlodipine at a particular time of day. It’s more important that you take your medicine regularly than at a certain time of day.

Does amlodipine lower your heart rate?

No, amlodipine doesn’t have much of an effect on your heart rate. It’s a different type of calcium channel blocker than diltiazem or verapamil, both of which lower heart rate.

Does amlodipine cause weight gain?

In general, no. Some people may experience swelling (edema) in their legs or arms as a side effect. In that case, the extra fluid may show up as weight gain.

How long does it take for amlodipine to work?

Amlodipine starts working on day one. But it may take five to seven days of consistently taking amlodipine before the medicine reaches a steady level in your body. So if you’re taking it for chest pain (angina), it may take more than a week until your chest pain feels better.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Managing your blood pressure is an important part of your health. If you need medication to bring your blood pressure numbers into the normal range, you’re not alone. Every medicine is different, so it’s helpful to learn about the ones you’re taking. That way, you can understand why your provider chose them and how they fit into your life.