Amlodipine (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Amlodipine is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood to the heart. If taken regularly, amlodipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication to take when you have chest pain.

How this medicine should be used

Amlodipine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take amlodipine, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amlodipine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of amlodipine and gradually increase your dose.

Amlodipine controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. Continue to take amlodipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amlodipine without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before taking amlodipine:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine, call your doctor.

Special dietary instructions

If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What you should do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

Amlodipine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• headache
• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• excessive tiredness
• flushing (feeling of warmth)

Severe Side Effects

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• more frequent or more severe chest pain
• rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• fainting

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• dizziness
• fainting
• rapid heartbeat

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to amlodipine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Caduet® as a combination product containing Amlodipine and Atorvastatin
• Norvasc®