amlodipine

Brand names: Amlodipine Besylate

# Overview of Amlodipine Amlodipine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain called angina. It works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, which helps your heart work more efficiently and lowers your blood pressure. Doctors prescribe amlodipine to help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. It comes in tablet form and you typically take it once a day by mouth, with or without food. Like all medicines, amlodipine can cause side effects and may interact with other drugs you're taking. It's important to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you use, especially simvastatin and certain other drugs that can increase amlodipine's effects in your body. Common side effects include swelling in your feet or ankles and dizziness. You should not stop taking amlodipine without talking to your doctor first, even if you feel better, because it works best when taken regularly. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, always ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Known Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Do not exceed doses greater than 20 mg daily of simvastatin. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Impact of Other Drugs on Amlodipine CYP3A Inhibitors Co-administration with CYP3A inhibitors (moderate and strong) results in increased systemic exposure to amlodipine and may require dose reduction. Monitor for symptoms of hypotension and edema when amlodipine is co-administered with CYP3A inhibitors to determine the need for dose adjustment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 )] . CYP3A Inducers No information is available on the quantitative effects of CYP3A inducers on amlodipine. Blood pressure should be closely monitored when amlodipine is co-administered with CYP3A inducers. Sildenafil Monitor for hypotension when sildenafil is co-administered with amlodipine [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.2 )] . 7.2 Impact of Amlodipine on Other Drugs Simvastatin Co-administration of simvastatin with amlodipine increases the systemic exposure of simvastatin. Limit the dose of simvastatin in patients on a

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • FATIGUE25,703 reports
  • DIARRHOEA22,375 reports
  • NAUSEA22,237 reports
  • DYSPNOEA21,220 reports
  • DRUG INEFFECTIVE20,012 reports
  • DIZZINESS18,101 reports
  • HEADACHE16,755 reports
  • OFF LABEL USE16,578 reports
  • PAIN16,046 reports
  • ASTHENIA14,643 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with amlodipine:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.