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Amlodipine

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  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
  • Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and of the whites of your eyes) contact your doctor immediately.

About amlodipine

Type of medicine A calcium channel blocker
Used for The treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and to prevent angina (chest pain)
Also called Istin
Amlostin
Available as Tablets

Amlodipine works by relaxing and opening up the blood vessels. This allows blood to circulate more freely around the body, lowering blood pressure and allowing the heart to work more efficiently.

Before taking amlodipine

Before taking amlodipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver problems.
  • If you have other heart problems as well as angina.
  • If you suffer from frequent pains in the chest.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take amlodipine

  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
  • Take amlodipine exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Swallow amlodipine whole with a glass of water.
  • Try to take amlodipine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you miss a dose of amlodipine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time.
  • Do not stop taking amlodipine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • Amlodipine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this preparation contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside amlodipine.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
  • Before having any kind of treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking amlodipine.

Can amlodipine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness and problems with eyesight Make sure you know how you react to amlodipine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see well
Sweating Take care not to become overheated in hot weather or during exercise
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry, discuss the problem with your doctor
Headaches, hot flushes and swollen ankles These usually go away a few days after starting treatment. If the headache continues, ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller or discuss the problem with your doctor
Stomach upset or discomfort Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids

Other effects that may sometimes occur include: tiredness, tremor, pins and needles, changes in mood, difficulty sleeping, a racing heartbeat, changes in taste, shortness of breath, muscle or joint pain, sexual problems, a need to urinate (pass water) more often, weight changes, rash, itching, hair loss and feeling faint.

Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and of the whites of your eyes) contact your doctor immediately.

How to store amlodipine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3426
DocRef:
dils2533
Last Updated:
7 Dec 2007
Date of Next Review:
6 Dec 2009
Version:
23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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