Are you on Amlodipine? This video will examine the
ten most frequently asked question about this Amlodipine.. Coming up.
I am Dr.John board certified in Internal medicine and geriatric medicine. This
channel is here to promote your health and well-being. Think your Health.
What is Amlodipine?
Amlodipine is a prescription medication and belongs to a family of medications called
calcium channel blockers. The brand name is Norvasc.
What is Amlodipine used for? Amlodipine is used for the
treatment of high blood pressure. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels. This
lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
Amlodipine can be also used for the treatment of angina. Amlodipine works by improving the
blood supply to your heart. Amlodipine can also be used off label to treat Raynaud phenomenon.
Amlodipine dosing?
The doses for Amlodipine are 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg.In older adults I start at the
lowest dose at 2.5 mg and titrate slowly. If you are younger or middle aged your Doctor
might start you on a higher dose such as 5mg.Usually when titrating the dose up,
I wait 7-14 days before changing the dose. In my experience for better control of coronary
artery disease and chronic stable angina patients end up being titrated to 10mg daily. Of course,
the higher the dose the higher the chances of side effects.
What is the best time to take Amlodipine? Amlodipine can be taken any time of the
day. If you do choose a time, take it at the same time daily after discussing this
with your health care provider. You can take the medication with or without food.
It takes Norvasc 6-12 hours to peak in your plasma. That means it takes Norvasc 6-12
hours to reach its highest concentration in your plasma. This medication does not
work immediately and can reduce your blood pressure significantly after 24-48 hours.
Amlodipine medication interaction to be aware of?
There are several but this one that should be pointed
out as the interacting medication is common:
If Amlodipine is taken together with a cholesterol lowering drug called
Simvastatin (the brand name is Zocor) it can interact with Simvastatin. This can result
in higher levels Simvastatin in your body. Higher levels of Simvastatin can increase
the risk of adverse events related to statin drugs such as muscle injury and pain. Another
Statin drug with a similar interaction is Lovastatin. The brand name is Mevacor. Your
doctor or your healthcare provider might decide to titrate the drug to a lower dose
to minimize side effects.The FDA recommends a dose of 20mg to lower the risk of side effects.
If you are interested in other hacks to reduce side effects of Amlodipine, click right here.
Can I stop taking Norvasc?
If you suddenly stop Norvasc, you may be faced with an increase of
your blood pressure or may experience chest pain. Amlodipine should be titrated down.
Talk to your health care provider as they can guide you regarding next steps.
Amlodipine and disease related concerns: If you have liver disease, severe aortic
stenosis or a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with outlet obstruction your health
care provider will be cautious in the use of this medication and will end up using a lower dose.
What is a significant side effect to be aware of?
Norvasc can cause a swelling in your lower extremities and ankles. This is more often seen
with women compared to men. This side effect is dose related, meaning the higher the dose
the higher the chance of this side effect. Also, the longer you are on this medication
the higher the chance of this side effect. The frequency of this side effect is 2-11%.
Amlodipine side effects? All drugs may cause side
effects. There will be always some people who have no or only mild side effects. Others may
have moderate to severe side effects leading to discontinuation of their medication. If you
do have side effects, talk to your health care provider for next steps and advice.
Here are the most common side effects.
Edema (2-11%) Palpitations (<5%)
Flushing (<3%) GI side effects (nausea, abdominal pain): 2-3%
Constipation 1% Dizziness 3%
Fatigue 5% Muscle cramp <2%
SOB 2% Increased blood glucose < 1%
If you are interested in other videos click right here or here,
think your health, and have a good day!