Amlodipine

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Amlodipine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure that works by blocking calcium channels. '.

If you think Amlodipine is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

How do I buy Amlodipine online?

You can purchase Amlodipine safely online through UK Meds. To begin, you’ll need to complete a quick online consultation with a registered independent prescriber. This process ensures that Amlodipine is the right treatment for your specific medical condition. If approved, your order will be processed and delivered directly to your home.

Can I get Amlodipine on subscription?

Yes, you can set up a subscription for Amlodipine with UK Meds. A subscription ensures you’ll always receive your medication when needed, while also helping you save money—making it a convenient and cost-effective solution.

What is Amlodipine?

Amlodipine is a medication belonging to a group of drugs called calcium antagonists. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

• How it works: Amlodipine blocks calcium from entering muscle cells, helping to relax and widen blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve heart function.
• Forms available: It comes in tablets of 5mg or 10mg strength, or as a liquid containing 1mg per ml of the active ingredient.

How Does Amlodipine Work?

• For high blood pressure: Amlodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing overall pressure.
• For angina: It improves the blood supply to the heart, providing more oxygen and relieving chest pain.

What are the Benefits of Taking Amlodipine?

Managing high blood pressure or angina is crucial for reducing the risk of severe health complications, such as:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Blood clots

Amlodipine helps control these conditions effectively and is often recommended alongside lifestyle changes such as:

• Reducing salt intake
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Cutting back on smoking and alcohol consumption

Taking Amlodipine as prescribed can significantly improve your long-term cardiovascular health and prevent more serious conditions.

Amlodipine Reviews

Read first hand what other Amlodipine users have to say about the medication and it's impact on patients lives on our customer reviews above. There are also a large selection of Amlodipine reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at drugs.com and WebMD.

It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Amlodipine tablets. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that it is the right medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare professional, and judge the medication based on your own experiences if they recommend it as a treatment. Before starting a medication you should always consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Amlodipine patient information leaflet.

How do I use Amlodipine?

Amlodipine is a prescription-only medication, and it is important to follow your doctor’s advice and the instructions in the patient information leaflet provided.

How to Take Amlodipine:

• Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.
• You can take it before or after food.
• Take Amlodipine at the same time each day to help you remember.
• Avoid grapefruit juice, as it can interfere with how the medicine works.

Always follow the guidance from your doctor or pharmacist to ensure safe and effective use.

What is the recommended dosage?

Amlodipine 5 mg / Amlodipine 10 mg

• Amlodipine contains the active ingredient amlodipine besilate in 5 mg or 10 mg tablets.
• The usual starting dose is 5 mg once a day, but your doctor may increase this to 10 mg daily if needed.
• If you have kidney or liver problems, consult your doctor for the most suitable dosage.

Missed a Dose?

• If you forget a dose, simply skip it and take your next tablet as usual.
• Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.

What to Do in Case of Overdose?

• If you take too much Amlodipine, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include:
  • Severe dizziness
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Weakness or fainting
• Until help arrives, lie down with your arms and legs raised to improve blood flow.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and read the patient information leaflet provided with the medication. If you have any concerns, speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

What side effects can Amlodipine have?

Common Side Effects

While many people tolerate Amlodipine well, common side effects may include:

• Swelling (fluid retention), particularly in the ankles.
• Headaches, dizziness, or sleepiness.
• Heart palpitations or flushing.
• Digestive issues like abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, or indigestion.
• Tiredness, weakness, or muscle cramps.
• Vision problems, including double vision.

When to Contact a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, or face.
• Serious skin reactions.

If any side effects persist or worsen, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Who Should Not Take Amlodipine?

Before starting Amlodipine, consult your doctor. Avoid using this medication if you:

• Are allergic to Amlodipine, calcium antagonists, or any of its ingredients.
• Suffer from cardiogenic shock, severe low blood pressure (hypotension), or aortic valve narrowing.
• Experience chest pain at rest or minimal effort.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Conditions to Discuss with Your Doctor

Let your doctor know if you:

• Have heart failure or experienced a heart attack in the last month.
• Suffer from liver problems.
• Are over 65, as the elderly may need closer monitoring.
• Are giving this medicine to someone under 18 years old.

Interactions with Other Medicines

Amlodipine can interact with several medications, including:

• Blood pressure medicines, heart medications (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem), and sildenafil (for impotence).
• Medicines for fungal infections (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) or HIV.
• Antibiotics and antidepressants (e.g., nefazodone).
• Herbal remedies like St. John’s wort.
• Immunosuppressants like cyclosporine or tacrolimus.
• Epilepsy medicines and corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone).
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as simvastatin.

Always inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements.

Lifestyle Tips

• Pair Amlodipine with healthy lifestyle changes: exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and avoid excessive alcohol and smoking.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can cause your blood pressure to drop too low.

• Amlodipine - NHS
• Amlodipine - BNF
• Amlodipine Tablets (Istin, Norvasc) - Patient.info

Read our helpful blogs to gain a better understanding of managing your blood pressure:

• Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
• How to Check Blood Pressure From Home
• How Can I Reduce My Blood Pressure?
• What is Amlodipine?