The U.S. FDA-approved Amlodipine to hypertension (high blood pressure) and a rare form of angina (prinzmetal or variant) on June 14, 1996. Amlodipine is an antianginal agent with an active ingredient called Amlodipine which belongs to the medication class known as calcium channel blockers.

Amlodipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and a rare form of angina (prinzmetal or variant). In hypertension conditions, this medicine relaxes the blood vessels and makes the blood pass smoothly. In angina, it improves the blood supply, which prevents chest pain.

Take the Amlodipine tablet as your physician advises. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Amlodipine are odeama (build-up of fluid), headache, dizziness, changes in bowel activity (diarrhea, constipation, indigestion ), eye disturbance, double vision, weakness irregular heartbeat. Serious side effects while taking Amlodipine are instant wheeziness, chest pain, shortness or difficulty breathing, swelling in eyelids, face, lips, throat, or tongue, skin problems (rashes, mucous membrane inflammation, Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), heart attack, abnormal heat beat pancreas inflammation.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Kidney patients should take Amlodipine cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Also, in such cases, dose adjustment will be advised. Notify your doctor if you are consuming antibiotics or anticoagulants (blood clots). Suppose you experience encephalopathy (A condition characterized by impaired brain function).

Inform your doctor if you are older or need any dose adjustments. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine should be only used for hypertension conditions in adolescents and children from 6 - 17 years of age. Do not consume grapefruit juice or grapefruit while taking this tablet. It is not suggested to use this medicine under the age of 6 years because it has yet to be studied.

Liver and heart patients should take Amlodipine cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice.  Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 25°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

1. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Ltd., Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on September 2022] [ Accessed on 29th May 2023],Version 1 (medicines.org.uk)
2. Pfizer labs, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Accessed on 29th May 2023], Norvasc (amlodipine besylate) tablets label (fda.gov)

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.