Amlodipine
Uses of Amlodipine
Amlodipine is commonly used in the treatment of Angina Heart Related Chest Pain, Arrhythmias, Anal Fissure, Subarachnoid Haemorrhage and also used in Hypertensive Emergency.
How Amlodipine Works
Amlodipine is a Calcium Channel Blocker. It acts as an antihypertensive drug and reduces peripheral vascular resistance by relaxing coronary vascular smooth muscle and vasodilates coronary vessels through inhibition of calcium ion transmembrane influx into cardiac and vascular smooth muscles.
Side Effects of Amlodipine
Peripheral oedema, Hypotension, Chest pain, Thrombocytopenia, Visual disturbances, Tinnitus, Nausea, Headache, Dizziness
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Amlodipine should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Amlodipine is mostly excreted via urine. Thus, dose adjustment of Amlodipine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Amlodipine. Taking Amlodipine with alcohol may worsen the side effects of Amlodipine such as headache, dizziness and visual disturbance. Furthermore, Amlodipine is metabolised in the liver and alcohol consumption leads to a risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Amlodipine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits of using Amlodipine among pregnant women outweigh the risks. Please consult your doctor.
Driving Not advisable
Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Amlodipine may cause side effects such as dizziness headache, tiredness or nausea, all of which could affect the ability to concentrate and drive.
Liver Use With Care
The liver disease should use Amlodipine with caution. It is extensively metabolised in the liver. Extensive use of Amlodipine also increases the liver enzyme. Dose adjustment of Amlodipine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Lactation Limited Data
Amlodipine is reported to be excreted into breast milk. However, the effect of the exposure towards the babies remains unknown. There is also stated that no side effects were reported with the exposure. Please consult your doctor for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
