Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Levamlodipine for high blood pressure ? So today, let's talk briefly about what this medicine is, how it works, and what you need to be careful about when taking it. It is very important for you to know these facts.
What is Levamlodipine?
Simply put, Levamlodipine is a medication that is used to control high blood pressure. The blood vessels in our body, which are the small tubes that carry blood, sometimes become narrowed. Then, there is less room for blood to flow, which causes the pressure to increase. This is what we call “high blood pressure .”
This medicine works by relaxing the constricted blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily, and the pressure decreases. This means the heart doesn't have to work as hard. Medically speaking, this medicine belongs to a group of drugs called ' calcium channel blockers' .
Sometimes doctors may also recommend this medicine for other medical conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to levamlodipine or amlodipine, or if you are allergic to any other medicine, food, food coloring, or preservative, tell your doctor about it.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Providing this information accurately is very important for your safety.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
- This medicine should be taken orally with a glass of water.
- Try to take the medicine at the same time every day , exactly as the doctor prescribed. Then the medicine will be much more effective.
- This can be taken before or after meals. However, some people may experience slight stomach discomfort if taken before meals. If this happens, take the medicine with food.
- Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Even if your blood pressure seems to be improving, you should not stop taking it on your own.
Special occasions
- For children: Children over 6 years of age may be prescribed this medicine in some special cases. However, this decision is made by a pediatrician .
- People over 65 years of age: Older people's bodies may react more quickly to this medicine, so your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Most importantly: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some other medications you are taking may interact with Levamlodipine. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Erythromycin, Clarithromycin |
| Immune-suppressing drugs | Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus |
| Other heart disease medications | Diltiazem |
| Antifungal drugs | Itraconazole |
| Cholesterol-lowering drugs | Simvastatin |
| Medicines for male sexual dysfunction | Sildenafil |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements ) . Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol .
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
- Get checked regularly: Go to your doctor's appointments and get yourself checked. It's a good idea to be able to measure your blood pressure at home. Find out what your blood pressure should be and when you should call your doctor.
- Be careful with other medications: Some over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, and body aches can increase your blood pressure. Therefore, do not take any medication without consulting your doctor.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: Some people may feel dizzy or drowsy while taking this medication. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up suddenly: Especially if you are older, don't get up from a sitting position or get out of bed suddenly. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall. Therefore, get used to getting up slowly.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication, so it is wise to avoid drinking alcohol.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, fainting. |
| Blood pressure drops significantly | Severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Increased chest pain (Angina) | Feeling of tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back, or arms. |
| Side effects that are usually common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Redness of the face | Facial redness or a feeling of warmth. |
| Palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Nausea and stomach pain | Feeling like vomiting or having stomach pain. |
| Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet | Swelling of the lower body. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How should you store the medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius) away from light.
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly.
Take-Home Message
- Levamlodipine is a medicine that controls high blood pressure. It is important to take it at the same time every day.
- Do not stop taking your medication without asking your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience a serious side effect such as severe allergic reaction or chest pain, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Be careful not to change positions suddenly and do activities that require alertness, as dizziness may occur while taking the medication.
Levamlodipine, High Blood Pressure, Blood Pressure Medication, Calcium Channel Blocker, Heart Disease, Side Effects, Side Effects, Sri Lanka
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