Amlodipine - An Antihypertensive and Calcium Channel Blocker Drug To Reduce Blood Pressure

Amlodipine - An Antihypertensive and Calcium Channel Blocker Drug To Reduce Blood Pressure

Amlodipine is an antihypertensive and calcium channel blocker drug used in the treatment of hypertension (by reducing blood pressure) and Angina Pectoris. We will discuss how Amlodipine is used in treatment of Angina Pectoris, precautions while taking Amlodipine, dosage, overdosage, side effects and brands of Amlodipine. 

Working of Amlodipine in Angina Pectoris

In Angina Pectoris, Amlodipine increases blood flow to the heart muscles like other calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine acts by relaxing the smooth muscle in the arterial wall, decreasing total peripheral resistance thereby reducing blood pressure. 

Amlodipine controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood to the heart. If Amlodipine is taken regularly, Amlodipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication to take when you have chest pain.

Precautions while using Amlodipine

Amlodipine should not be used in following cases:

1. Aortic Stenosis: Amlodipine causes vasodilation, which can result in reduced cardiac output in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

2. Pregnancy and Breast Feeding: Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should not take Amlodipine.

3. Cardiogenic Shock

4. Unstable Angina

5. Hepatic Impairment

Side Effects of Amlodipine

Amlodipine may cause side effects in many cases. Inform your doctor if you notice any kind of following symptoms after taking Amlodipine:

1. Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

2. Headache

3. Upset stomach and stomach pain

4. Dizziness or lightheadedness

5. Excessive tiredness

6. In patients with severe coronary artery disease, Amlodipine can increase the frequency and severity of angina or actually cause a heart attack on rare occasions.

7. Long-term use (around 10 yrs) of Amlodipine to control hypertension can lead to a 10 fold increase in risk to develop breast cancer.

Amlodipine Dosage

Amlodipine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take Amlodipine, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Amlodipine exactly as directed.

Side Effects of Amlodipine Overdosage

If Amlodipine taken in excess, can cause following side effects:

1. Dizziness and Fainting

2. Rapid heartbeat

Amlodipine Brands

1. Amdepin by Cadila Pharmaceuticals in India

2. Amlong in India by Micro Labs

3. Amlopin by Lek

4. Amlovas in India by Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd

5. Asomex by Emcure Pharmaceuticals India

6. Hipril is a combination of lisinopril with amlodipine (5 mg each) in India