Chemical Name: amlodipine

Description
Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart to control chest pain (angina). If taken regularly, amlodipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Amlodipine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a 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. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Amlodipine controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. Continue to take amlodipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amlodipine without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking amlodipine,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially fentanyl (Duragesic), medication for high blood pressure, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking amlodipine.
tell your doctor if you notice more frequent or more severe chest pain (angina).
What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Amlodipine may cause an upset stomach. Take amlodipine with food or milk.

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit 1 hour before or for 2 hours after taking amlodipine.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from amlodipine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache
upset stomach
dizziness or lightheadedness
excessive tiredness
flushing (feeling of warmth)
heartburn
fast heartbeat
muscle cramps
nosebleed
decreased sexual ability
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fainting
rash
yellowing of the skin or eyes
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

dizziness
fainting
rapid heartbeat