💊 Amlodipine
Amlodipine is a prescription medicine commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina).
It belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers, which relax and widen blood vessels so blood flows more easily.
🩺 What it is used for
- High blood pressure (most common use)
- Chest pain due to heart disease (angina)
- Sometimes used to reduce risk of stroke or heart attack in high-risk patients
⚙️ How it works
Amlodipine blocks calcium from entering the muscle cells of blood vessels. This causes:
- Relaxed blood vessels
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced workload on the heart
💊 Usual dosage (general info only)
- Typically 5 mg once daily
- Can be adjusted between 2.5 mg to 10 mg daily depending on response
- Taken once a day, with or without food
⚠️ Dose must always be set by a doctor.
⚠️ Common side effects
- Swelling in ankles or feet (very common)
- Headache
- Flushing (feeling warm)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
🚨 Less common but serious effects
- Very low blood pressure
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Severe swelling or shortness of breath (seek medical help)
⚠️ Important precautions
- Do not stop suddenly without medical advice
- Use caution if you have liver disease
- May interact with other blood pressure or heart medicines
- Alcohol can increase dizziness or low blood pressure
🧠 Quick summary
Amlodipine is a long-acting blood pressure medicine that helps keep arteries relaxed, improving blood flow and reducing strain on the heart.
If you want, tell me:
- your condition (BP reading or symptoms), or
- other medicines you’re taking
I can explain how amlodipine fits into a treatment plan or what to watch out for in your specific case.
