Amlodipine is a medication prescribed to help control high blood pressure,
reducing heart attack and stroke risk. This video will break down
all the important questions you may have about this medication.
Amlodipine belongs to a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.
These medications act on the muscle fibres of your circulating system,
relaxing blood vessels and reducing strain on your heart. For this reason,
Amlodipine is effective in both controlling blood pressure and reducing symptoms of angina.
Is there anyone who should not take Amlodipine?
It is best to speak with your doctor before taking
this medication if you have any of the following conditions:
• You have experienced a prior allergic reaction to Amlodipine, or other Calcium Channel Blockers.
• Experience postural hypotension, where your blood pressure drops significantly when standing.
• Suffer from an unpredictable form of angina also known as, unstable angina.
• Significant narrowing of your aortic heart valve.
Additionally…. • You suffer from Liver disease or kidney disease
Is Amlodipine safe in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
Amlodipine is not recommended for use, by the manufacturers, in both pregnancy
and breastfeeding. Therefore, if you are taking this medication, planning a pregnancy
or are already pregnant, please consult your doctor for a suitable alternative. Your doctor
will then weigh up the benefits of you taking this medication vs the risk of harm to your baby.
What is the correct dose of Amlodipine?
Amlodipine doses typically range from between 2.5 mg to 10mg once daily. The typical starting dose
is 5mg once daily. Dosing will vary from person to person and will need adjusting
depending on how well your blood pressure is controlled after commencing this medication.
How to take Amlodipine
Amlodipine should be taken once daily. You can take this medication at any time of the day
but keep it consistent. Most people take this medication in the morning. You can take this
medication with or without food, but always take Amlodipine with a large glass of water
How long will I need to take my medication?
Most individuals prescribed Amlodipine will usually continue this medication lifelong.
Stopping this medication will likely result in a return of your high blood pressure.
Over the long term, controlling high blood pressure will help
reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
How long does it take for Amlodipine to work?
Amlodipine will start working soon after you start taking this medication.
However, it takes a week or so, of regular dosing, to reach its optimum effects.
Your prescribing doctor will leave a brief period,
usually 2 weeks, before re-evaluating your blood pressure and considering dose adjustments.
Because most individuals being treated for hypertension will have never experienced any
symptoms of the disease, you are unlikely to feel different whilst taking this medication.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
If you are taking Amlodipine, you must avoid any grapefruit products. This is because grapefruits
contain a chemical that can interfere with your body’s ability to naturally break down
your medication. Therefore, grapefruit increases your risk of side effects.
Can I Drink Alcohol with this medication?
Drinking alcohol alongside your medication is safe,
providing you do so in moderation. However, for some, the combination can cause dizziness
I have missed my dose. What should I do?
If you forget to take your Amlodipine on time, do not worry,
take it as soon as you remember. However, if you only remember the following day
skip the missed dose. Remember to take your next dose at the regular time.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
I have accidentally taken too much medication.
Amlodipine in overdose can be dangerous. Symptoms of overdose can include drowsiness and dizziness.
If you believe you have taken an overdose of this medication, please seek an emergency assessment.
Are there any side effects?
Fortunately, most will not experience any side effects. However,
as with all medications, side effects can occur.
Common side-effects you should discuss with your doctor are:
• Swelling of your hands, feet, or legs • Muscle cramps, Tiredness or feeling weak
• Dizziness, flushing o OR
• Indigestion, constipation, or diarrhoea
Rarely, people may experience more concerning side effects.
If you experience any of the following, please consult with your doctor urgently:
• Sensation of your heart racing, or pounding
• Chest pain • Damage to your liver, you may notice
a yellowing of the whites of your eyes o OR
• Inflammation of the pancreas, associated with abdominal pains
Allergic reactions are concerning as they may be life-threatening. Fortunately,
life-threatening allergic reactions are rare.
Those with serious allergic reactions should call emergency services for assistance. Symptoms of a
severe allergic reaction can include: • Swelling of the face, lips,
mouth, and throat • Difficulty breathing,
wheezing or chest tightness • Allergic skin rash
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. For a full list of side effects refer
to the drug information leaflet that comes with your medications.
I hope this video has supplied the answers you were looking for. Thank you for watching.