{"id":1131,"date":"2023-07-17T15:04:48","date_gmt":"2023-07-17T15:04:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1131"},"modified":"2023-09-08T14:37:48","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:37:48","slug":"amlodipine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/blood-pressure-medications\/amlodipine\/","title":{"rendered":"About Amlodipine (Norvasc): A Patient\u2019s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights<\/b><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>A calcium channel blocker, amlodipine is generally used for angina and high blood pressure.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Amlodipine is available in a wide range of formulas and combinations.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Careful price comparisons can help you find the lowest price for amlodipine.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amlodipine is a useful medication for managing high blood pressure, one of the most common ailments. Learn how amlodipine helps you keep your blood pressure under control, who should and shouldn\u2019t use it, how to take it, and how to get the lowest price for amlodipine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Is Amlodipine and What Is It Used For?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/amlodipine-besylate-10-mg-tab\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amlodipine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a calcium channel blocker used to treat angina and high blood pressure. It is sold under the brand names Norliqva and Katerzia but most commonly as Norvasc. Your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes, as well, such as a low-sodium diet and regular exercise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Does Amlodipine Work?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When calcium enters the cells in the heart and arteries, it narrows blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine help keep those vessels open by keeping calcium out of the cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Formulas Are Available for Amlodipine?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amlodipine is available in tablet form and as an oral suspension. It can also be formulated with other drugs used to treat high blood pressure, including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/amlodipine-benazepril-5-20-mg\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE inhibitors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/amlodipine-valsartan-10-160-mg\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">angiotensin II inhibitors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and renin inhibitors. Ask your doctor about these combinations, especially if you\u2019re already taking medication to manage your blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Amlodipine Dosage and Administration<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amlodipine prescriptions generally start at 5 milligrams and may go up to as high as 10 milligrams for a maintenance dose. Some patients may start at 2.5 milligrams, depending on other health factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Should I Take Amlodipine?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1136\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2.jpeg-2.jpg\" alt=\"doctor measuring patient's blood pressure\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amlodipine is taken daily, at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food and should be stored away from heat, light, and moisture. Oral suspensions should be refrigerated but never frozen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your blood pressure regularly while taking amlodipine, and continue taking it as prescribed even if you feel better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Are the Potential Side Effects of Amlodipine?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commonly, people taking amlodipine can experience:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leg or ankle swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular, pounding, or fluttering heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle stiffness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uncontrollable muscle movements;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flushing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amlodipine <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/amlodipine-oral-route\/side-effects\/drg-20061784?p=1#:~:text=This%20medicine%20may%20cause%20worsening,heart%20or%20blood%20vessel%20disease.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can cause chest pain or even a heart attack<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in patients with severe heart or blood vessel disease. Lightheadedness or dizziness may also be an issue when you start taking amlodipine or raise your dose. If these effects are severe or don\u2019t go away, contact your doctor. If the pain comes with a lightheaded feeling, seek medical attention as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In rare cases, amlodipine may cause a heart attack, and symptoms of a heart attack can be mistaken for amlodipine side effects. <\/span><b>If you notice a feeling of pressure in your chest or pain radiating to your shoulder or jaw, get medical help immediately.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Avoid When Taking Amlodipine?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because amlodipine lowers your blood pressure, you may be more prone to lightheadedness or fainting if you rise from a sitting or standing position too quickly. Practice a measured way to change positions to prevent lightheadedness, and don\u2019t stand suddenly from a sitting or lying position.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol can lower your blood pressure, so limit your intake while using amlodipine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Amlodipine?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you forget to take your amlodipine and you\u2019re within twelve hours of your usual dosage time, you can take it. If it\u2019s twelve hours or later past your regular time, wait until the next day and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of amlodipine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Do If I Overdose on Amlodipine?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of amlodipine overdose include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redness or a warmth in your limbs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting or lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re experiencing these symptoms, contact poison control immediately and seek medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Who Should Not Take Amlodipine?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve had any of the following, make sure your doctor is aware of it before you begin using amlodipine:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aorta, a heart valve<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal or family history of coronary artery disease (CAD)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal or family history of liver disease\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is not a lot of information available about the safety of amlodipine during pregnancy, but is is generally considered safe for pregnant women. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should talk to their doctor, who will weigh the risks and benefits of taking this medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Are There any Potential Drug Interactions With Amlodipine?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1137\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3.jpeg-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"taking a tablet out of a bottle\" width=\"780\" height=\"521\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review any medications and supplements you\u2019re taking with your doctor before starting amlodipine, as it has a number of major documented interactions with certain classes of medication:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antibiotics.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some antibiotics may have a vasodilator effect, raising the risk of a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure. Others may affect how amlodipine is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5606457\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">processed by the liver<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other calcium channel blockers.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Combining calcium channel blockers raises the risk of blood pressure dropping suddenly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antifungal medications. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These can interfere with the liver processing amlodipine, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-interactions\/amlodipine-with-fluconazole-172-0-1096-0.html#:~:text=Interactions%20between%20your%20drugs&amp;text=Fluconazole%20may%20increase%20the%20blood,and%20excessively%20low%20blood%20pressure.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">raising the amount in your blood<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Immunosuppressants. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calcium channel blockers can have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/8247910\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mild immunosuppressant effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can combine with dedicated immunosuppressants to cause problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anti-epilepsy medicines.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Amlodipine can increase <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11526962\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the effects of these medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Simvastatin in doses over 20 milligrams.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Amlodipine can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-interactions\/amlodipine-with-simvastatin-172-0-2067-0.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inhibit the body from breaking down simvastatin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. from being broken down in the body.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Multivitamins.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some formulations of multivitamin <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-interactions\/amlodipine-with-sourcecf-multivitamins-with-a-b-d-e-k-plus-zinc-172-0-1665-12324.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may interfere with amlodipine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Ask your doctor about possible issues, and bring your multivitamin bottle with you for review.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whenever considering a new medication, check the prescribing information for possible effects \u2014 like relaxing of the blood vessels or interacting with liver enzymes \u2014 and review it with your doctor before taking. These effects are generally minor, but you should be aware of them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before starting amlodipine, discontinue taking any herbal supplements. While the vast majority of supplements may be safe, there\u2019s both a risk of their being tainted with pharmaceuticals and a potentially undocumented interaction. In particular, avoid any herbs that may have a vasodilator effect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No list of potential drug interactions is complete. If you experience any new or concerning symptoms after beginning amlodipine, contact your doctor right away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for Amlodipine With BidRx<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping your blood pressure under control shouldn\u2019t be a stressful experience. BidRx helps you find the lowest price for amlodipine and other medications by putting you in the driver\u2019s seat. Pharmacists come to you and offer their lowest price, and you pick the best option to be shipped straight to your door.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get started on reducing the cost of your prescriptions, visit our customer page to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/customers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">create your bid today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how amlodipine helps you keep your blood pressure under control, who should use it, how to take it, and how to get the lowest price for amlodipine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1295,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blood-pressure-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1131"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1131\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1138,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1131\/revisions\/1138"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1295"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1131"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1131"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}