Amlodipine
NHS information about the medicine amlodipine, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What amlodipine is for
Amlodipine is used to:
- lower high blood pressure (hypertension), reducing risk of serious problems like heart attacks and stroke
- prevent angina attacks in people with angina
Amlodipine is a type of medicine called a calcium-channel blocker.
It works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to pump around your body.
How to take amlodipine
Amlodipine comes as tablets or a liquid that you swallow.
You'll usually need to take it once a day, at the same time every day. You can take it before or after eating or drinking.
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and for how long. Most people with high blood pressure or angina will need long-term treatment.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Side effects of amlodipine
Like all medicines, amlodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Some side effects should ease after a week or so as your body gets used to the medicine, but others can last longer.
Common side effects
Common side effects of amlodipine include:
- swelling in your ankles, feet and legs (oedema)
- headaches, dizziness and feeling sleepy
- a fast heartbeat, or feeling like your heartbeat is more noticeable (palpitations)
- a red and warm face or neck (flushing)
- tummy pain and feeling sick (nausea)
- constipation or diarrhoea
- feeling weak and tired (fatigue)
If you feel dizzy or sleepy after taking amlodipine, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.
These are not all the side effects of amlodipine.
For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet, or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website
Who can and cannot take amlodipine
Most adults and children over the age of 6 can take amlodipine, but it's not suitable for some people.
For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from amlodipine or a similar medicine before
- you have low blood pressure
- you have heart failure
- you have had a recent heart attack
- you have a history of heart valve disease, such as narrowing of your heart valves
Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and amlodipine
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Amlodipine is not usually used if you're breastfeeding.
Pregnancy and amlodipine
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking amlodipine.
Amlodipine is not usually recommended during pregnancy, as there are similar medicines that are safer.
But amlodipine may be used if these other medicines do not work and it's important that your condition is treated while you're pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.
Taking amlodipine with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with amlodipine.
These include:
- simvastatin, which is a type of statin
- some antibiotics, such as rifampicin
- other blood pressure medicines
- some medicines to treat fungal infections, such as fluconazole
- some medicines to treat HIV
- medicines that change how your immune system works (immunosuppressants), such as ciclosporin or tacrolimus
- herbal medicines, such as St John's wort
Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food and alcohol with amlodipine
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine because it can increase the chance of side effects.
Try to limit how much alcohol you drink while taking amlodipine as it can increase the risk of low blood pressure.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
