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Amlodipine |
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What is Amlodipine and why is it prescribed? Amlodipine is prescribed for angina, a condition characterized by episodes of crushing chest pain that usually results from a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle due to clogged arteries. Amlodipine is also prescribed for high blood pressure. It is a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker. These drugs dilate blood vessels and slow the heart to reduce blood pressure and the pain of angina. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Amlodipine regularly for it to be effective. Amlodipine does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Amlodipine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Amlodipine. Amlodipine may be taken with or without food. A once-a-day medication, Amlodipine may be used alone or in combination with other drugs for high blood pressure or angina. You should take this medication exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. You will begin to see a drop in your blood pressure 24 hours after you start the medication. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Amlodipine at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Are there any Amlodipine side effects? Amlodipine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Amlodipine side effects may include dizziness, fatigue, flushing, fluid retention and swelling, headache, and palpitations. Less common Amlodipine side effects may include abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness. Rare Amlodipine side effects may include abnormal dreams, agitation, allergic reactions, altered sense of smell or taste, anxiety, apathy, back pain, chest pain, cold and clammy skin, conjunctivitis, constipation, coughing, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, difficult or painful urination, difficulty swallowing, dizziness or light-headedness when standing, double vision, dry mouth, dry skin, excessive urination, eye pain, fainting, frequent urination, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, heart failure, hives, hot flashes, inability to sleep, increased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, inflamed blood vessels, inflamed pancreas, irregular heartbeat, irregular pulse, itching, joint pain or problems, lack of coordination, lack of sensation, loose stools, loss of appetite, loss of memory, loss of sense of identity, low blood pressure, migraine, muscle cramps or pain, muscle weakness, nasal inflammation, nervousness, nosebleed, pain, purple or red spots on the skin, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, sexual problems, skin discoloration, skin inflammation, slow heartbeat, stomach inflammation, thirst, tingling or "pins and needles," tremor, twitching, urinating at night, urinating problems, vertigo, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Amlodipine? If Amlodipine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. There are no known food or drug interactions with this medication. Are there any special warnings about Amlodipine? Check with your doctor before you stop taking Amlodipine, as a slow reduction in the dose may be needed. Your doctor will prescribe Amlodipine with caution if you have certain heart conditions or liver disease. Make sure the doctor is aware of all your medical problems before you start therapy with Amlodipine. Although very rare, if you have severe heart disease, you may experience an increase in frequency and duration of angina attacks, or even have a heart attack, when you are starting on Amlodipine or your dosage is increased. The safety and effectiveness in children has not been established. |
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