Drug formTablets
ATC categoryCardiology, angiology
ATC subcategoryCalcium channels blockers
Brand nameAmlodipine
Generic nameAmlodipine
Amlodipine tablets contain amlodipine as active ingredient, which belongs to a group of medicines called calcium antagonists.
Amlodipine tablets are used to treat:
If you suffer from high blood pressure, Amlodipine works by relaxing blood vessels, so that blood passes through them more easily.
If you suffer from angina, Amlodipine works by improving blood supply to the heart muscle which then receives more oxygen and as a result chest pain is prevented. Amlodipine does not provide immediate relief of chest pain from angina.
Do not take Amlodipine tablets, if you
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Amlodipine.
Before taking Amlodipine tablets, tell your doctor if you
Children and adolescents
Amlodipine has not been studied in children under the age of 6 years. Amlodipine should only be used for hypertension in children and adolescents from 6 years to 17 years of age.
For more information, talk to your doctor.
Other medicines and Amlodipine tablets
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Some medicines (including medicines obtained without prescription, herbal medications or natural products) may interact with Amlodipine. This means that the action of both medicines can be changed.
In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
Amlodipine tablets may lower your blood pressure even more if you are already taking other medicines to treat your high blood pressure.
Taking Amlodipine tablets with food and drink
Grapefruit juice and grapefruit should not be consumed by people who are taking Amlodipine tablets. This is because grapefruit and grapefruit juice can lead to an increase in the blood levels of the active ingredient Amlodipine, which can cause an unpredictable increase in the blood pressure lowering effect of Amlodipine.
Pregnancy
Breast-feeding
Amlodipine has been shown to pass into breast milk in small amounts. If you are breastfeeding or about to start breast-feeding you must tell your doctor before taking Amlodipine tablets.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Amlodipine tablets may affect your ability to drive or use machines. If the tablets make you feel sick, dizzy or tired, or give you a headache, do not drive or use machines and contact your doctor immediately.
Amlodipine tablets contain sodium
Tablets contain less than 1 mmol/tablet sodium (23 mg) i. e. practically does not contain sodium.
Dosage
Always take Amlodipine tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily. If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg once daily.
This medicine can be used before or after food and drinks. You should take this medicine at the same time each day with a drink of water. Do not take Amlodipine with grapefruit juice.
Use in children and adolescents (6 -17 years old)
The recommended usual starting dose is 2.5 mg a day. The maximum recommended dose is 5 mg a day.
It is important to keep taking the tablets. Do not wait until your tablets are finished before seeing your doctor.
Amlodipine tablets 5 mg are allowed to break into two equal halves.
If you take more Amlodipine tablets than you should
Taking too many tablets can cause low blood pressure up to life-treatening conditions.
Symptoms of an overdose are: extreme dizziness and/or feeling very light-headed, faint or weak, problems with breathing, having to urinate very often. If blood pressure drop is severe enough shock can occur. Your skin could feel cool and clammy and you could lose consciousness. If you or someone else has taken too much Amlodipine, contact your nearest hospital casualty department.
If you forget to take Amlodipine tablets
Do not worry. If you forget to take a tablet, leave out that dose completely. Take your next dose at the right time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop taking Amlodipine tablets
Your doctor will advise you how long to take this medicine. Your condition may return if you stop using this medicine before you are advised.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Amlodipine tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medicine. Although they are very rare, the symptoms can be severe.
The following very common side effect has been reported. If this causes you problems or if it lasts for more than one week, you should contact your doctor.
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
The following common side effects have been reported. If any of these cause you problems or if they last for more than one week, you should contact your doctor.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Other side effects that have been reported include the following list. If any of these get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor orpharmacist.
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
What Amlodipine tablet contains
Each tablet of Amlodipine, 5 mg tablet contains:
active ingredient: amlodipine (as besylate) – 5 mg;
other ingredients: calcium phosphate dibasic, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate.
White or off white flat scored tablets.
3 blister packets with 10 tablets in each with insert leaflet in the cardboard box.
Prescription drug.