Hey guys, yaseen arsalan here, media pharmacist here on youtube, i'm you made it to counsel
time, my new playlist where I delve into a medication and bring you the most important
information about it.
Today we will be discussing amlodipine or norvasc.
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time I dissect a specific medication or supplement and really delve into what it is.The key facts
about the medication, how and when to take it, side effects and how to cope with them,
as well as some overall facts you should know of to become an informed consumer when it
comes to your medicine ,why? because your health matters to me, and I aspire to see
you live your best life possible.
It would mean a lot if you hit that like button NOW, so we can begin, thank you and without
further ado, lets talk amlodipine.
Amlodipine is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, otherwise known as (hypertension).
What exactly is hypertension?
Its a common condition in which the consistent force of blood against your artery walls,
when your heart beats is high enough that it causes health problems, such as heart disease
for example..
Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of
resistance to that blood flow that is present in your arteries.
The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure
becomes.
You can have high blood pressure or (hypertension) for years without any symptoms.
Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues and can be detected
when you get your blood pressure measured.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including
heart attack and stroke.
So bottomline, If you have high blood pressure, taking amlodipine helps prevent future heart
disease, heart attacks and strokes by making sure the pressure stays at a healthy and normal
range.
Amlodipine is also taken to: prevent chest pain caused by heart disease, known as (angina).
Amlodipine is a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker.And.
Like other calcium channel blockers, amlodipine works in a high blood pressure setting by
relaxing and widening blood vessels.
This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around
your body.
AND In angina or chest pain, amlodipine works by improving the blood supply to your heart
since the chest pain comes on when not enough blood gets to the muscles of the heart, either
because the arteries to the heart have become hardened or narrowed.
So when amlodipine widens those arteries, more oxygen is able to get to the heart, ultimately
preventing chest pain..
Amlodipine is available in tablets and capsule form and in a range of strengths, including
2.5 milligrams (mg), 5mg, and maxed out at 10mg quantities.
For adults: usually your doctor will have you on 5 mg once daily then possibly work
up to a maximum of 10 mg daily.
For the most part: You can take it at any time of day, but try to make sure it's around
the same time each day.
You’ll also see that amlodipine comes in a combination form often coupled with: atorvastatin,
benazepril, olmesartan, telmisartan, valsartan, and others.
The most common side effects include headache, flushing, feeling tired and swollen ankles
. These usually improve after a few days though.
Amlodipine can be called amlodipine besylate, amlodipine maleate or amlodipine mesilate.
This is because the medicine contains another chemical to make it easier for your body to
take up and use it.
It doesn't matter what your amlodipine is called.
Just know they all work as well as each other Take amlodipine exactly as your doctor has
told you take it, and follow the directions on the label.
If you're not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.But It's usual to take amlodipine
once a day at any time of day with or without food, but try to make sure it's around the
same time even if you feel well, as you'll still be getting the benefits of the medicine
when you still feel okay.
Also: Make sure to swallow it whole with a full glass of water.
let's look at side effects and how to cope with them.
Like all medicines, amlodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the medicine.
Keep in mind that: This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when
you first use it or if you are dehydrated.
So Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you experience headaches when taking it, make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Stay away from drinking too much alcohol and Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller
for the headache.
But know that Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking amlodipine.
Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.
If you experience dizziness: stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better.
If you experience a flushing either of warmth, numbness, or a tingly feeling in any part
of your body: try cutting down on coffee, tea and alcohol.
It might help to keep the room cool and to use a fan if you have to.
You could also spray your face with cool water or sip cold or iced drinks.
The flushing should go away after a few days.
And If it doesn't go away or it's causing you problems, contact your doctor.
If you experience a pounding heartbeat: try to take it at a time when you can sit down
(or lie down) when the symptoms are at their worst.
It may help also to cut down on alcohol, smoking, caffeine and big meals as these may make the
problem worse.
As for swollen ankles, raise your legs when you're sitting down to prevent the swelling.
The most important takeaway though is actually knowing when to pick up the phone and contact
your doctor when you’re on amlodipine.
So Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects: An Allergic reaction:this
includes Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your
mouth or throat, chest tightness and trouble breathing.
If you experience Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, New or worsening chest pain, Swelling
in your hands, ankles, or legs,nausea, and unusual sweating.
I know for some, the ankle swelling side effect can come as a surprise and often times it
can be mistaken as a separate medical condition, warranting a water pill for example like Lasix
or furosemide, but this may or may not be the case for you, which is why you should
talk to your doctor.
.Another rare side effect can be an enlargement of your gums, which I recommend bringing up
too if this has occurred.
Usually patients who have poor dental health and buildup of plaque are more at risk for
having their gums enlarge.
And lastly, some overall general information I want to end with is::Amlodipine starts to
work on the day you start taking it, but it may take a couple of weeks for its full effect.
If you're taking it for high blood pressure, you may not have any symptoms.
This is why high blood pressure is known as the silent killer, because you really don't
know you have it until the numbers on the machine tell you that you do.
In this case, you may not feel any different when you take amlodipine but This doesn't
mean that the medicine isn't working - and it's important that you still keep taking
it.
I recommend having a blood pressure machine at home that records your numbers, so that
you can be informed and stay informed of your progress and that you share those recordings
on your follow up appointments with your doctor.
I highly recommend the Omron Silver Blood Pressure Monitor on amazon, it measures on
the Upper Arm and can store up to 80 readings.
It also: measures five times more data points for consistent and precise readings.
I've left the link in the description below to pick it up, so definitely check that out.
Also note that amlodipine like any other medication will have drug interactions that you should
be aware of too that I've listed below in the description as well.
Remember to Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products while you're on it.
And in addition to helping you keep a healthy blood pressure, know that quitting smoking,
cutting down on alcohol, exercise, eating well, managing stress, and having all the
necessary vaccines will further promote a healthy blood pressure.
I'll have a video that goes over how much each of these factors will lower your blood
pressure by, so subscribe not to miss out on that.
I hope that this video was informative and helpful to you.
I may have not covered all your questions, so feel free to comment down below what you
thought and let me know if you did enjoy the video.
Thank you so much for staying tuned all the way to the end, I hope this was of value and
as always, see you on the next one.