Amlodipine is used on its own or together with other medicines to keep your blood pressure under control. It relaxes your blood vessels which help to lower your blood pressure.
This medicine is also used to treat certain type of chest pain such as Prinzmetal’s angina (a rare type of chest pain that occurs when a person is at rest).
Amlodipine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Amlodipine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Amlodipine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe low blood pressure
- shock or cardiogenic shock (a serious sudden condition when the heart cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain and vital organs of the body)
- narrowing of the heart valves
- heart failure after a heart attack
as Amlodipine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart failure
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Amlodipine to a child or elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not suddenly stop your other medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease, as stopping it abruptly could worsen your condition. Your doctor will advise you on how to manage your dose depending on your condition.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Amlodipine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. heart rate) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Amlodipine may cause dizziness or tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, weakness, muscle cramps, and swelling of the ankles, feet or hand.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. verapamil, diltiazem
- simvastatin (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- certain medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. indinavir, ritonavir
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [an infection known as tuberculosis])
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- dantrolene (injectable medicine for malignant hyperthermia [disease causing fast rise in body temperature])
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Amlodipine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. You may speak with your doctor if you have a drinking problem.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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