Amlodipine

Calcium Antagonist · Calcium antagonist

Indications

Hypertension. Myocardial ischaemia associated with stable or vasospastic angina.

Dosage

Adults: Hypertension/Myocardial ischaemia: Usually initial dose of 5 mg once daily, may be increased to a max daily dose of 10 mg. No dosage adjustment required when administered concurrently with thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitor. Children: Under 6 yr, not recommended. Hypertension: 6-12 yr, initially 100-200 mcg/kg once daily; if necessary increase at intervals of 1-2 wk up to 400 mcg/kg once daily; max. 10 mg once daily; 12-18 yr, initially 5 mg once daily; if necessary increase at intervals of 1-2 wk to max 10 mg once daily.

Adverse Effects

Headache, oedema, fatigue, nausea, flushing and dizziness, rash, gingival hyperplasia. Rarely, alopecia, pruritus, angioedema, palpitations, dyspnoea, abdominal pain, back pain, dyspepsia, muscle cramps, asthaenia, somnolence, altered bowel habit, myalgia, arthralgia, peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, mood changes, dry mouth, increased micturition, hyperglycaemia, impotence, sweating, syncope, thrombocytopenia, vasculitis, visual disturbances, palpitation, GI upset.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Cardiogenic shock, aortic stenosis, unstable angina, left ventricular outflow obstruction, severe hypotension, unstable heart failure following MI. Hypersensitivity to dihydropyridines. Precautions: Within one month of MI. Impaired hepatic function. Hypertensive crisis, heart failure. Elderly.

Interactions

Azole antifungals, erythromycin, cyclosporin, sildenafil, rifampicin, CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, dantrolene, simvastatin, tacrolimus, other antihypertensives, grape fruit juice.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. To prevent stomach upset, take with meals. Take missed dose as soon as you remember and next dose in 24 hours. Contact prescriber if there is unrelieved headache; vomiting; constipation; palpitations; arm, leg or facial swelling; weight gain >5 lb per week or difficulty in breathing. Check blood pressure regularly.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: Antihypertensive effect: Significant reductions in blood pressure at 24-48 hrs after first dose. Duration: Antihypertensive effect: At least 24 hrs. Discontinuation after 6-7 wks of treatment: Duration extends to at least 72 hrs. Absorption: Well absorbed. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: 64%-90%. Half-life elimination: Terminal (biphasic): 30-50 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 6-12 hrs. Excretion: Urine.

Unlicensed Use

Children: Under 6 yr, not recommended. Hypertension: 1 mth-6 yr, initially 100-200 mcg/kg once daily; if necessary increase at intervals of 1-2 wk up to 400 mcg/kg once daily; max. 10 mg once daily.

Brands with this active ingredient

• A-V
• Acoid
• Acovert
• Address
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• Adoptin
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• Alvan
• Alvostan
• Am-Descol
• Am-Telsan
• Amarus
• Amdipine
• Amilip
• AML

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.