Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Amlodipine for high blood pressure or chest pain (angina)? So let's talk a little bit about this medicine, how it works in our body, and what it can do. Knowing exactly about such a medicine and using it correctly is very important for your health.
What is Amlodipine?
Simply put, amlodipine is a medication that is used to control high blood pressure and sometimes prevent chest pain (angina). This medication works by relaxing the blood vessels in your body. Just like a clogged water pipe, when the water is hard to flow, our heart has to work harder to pump blood. When these blood vessels are relaxed, the blood can flow through them without any obstruction. This reduces the workload on the heart.
Medically speaking, this belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers . You can get this medicine under various brand names in Sri Lanka. Norliqva is one of them.
Things to tell your doctor before taking medication
Before you start taking amlodipine, it is very important to tell your doctor about these things, as the dosage or type of medication you are given may change based on that information.
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to amlodipine, any other medicine, food, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or are hoping to become pregnant in the near future.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is very important for your own safety to talk to the doctor about these things without hiding them.
How should I use this medicine?
Be aware of these points when using this medicine.
- At the right time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. Take it exactly as your doctor prescribes.
- Correct measurement: If this is given as a solution, use only the special oral syringe or measuring spoon/dropper provided. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons, as they cannot measure the exact amount.
- With or without food: This can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Stopping: Continue taking the medicine as directed by your doctor. Never stop taking the medicine abruptly.
- For children: This medicine can be prescribed to children over 6 years of age in some special cases, but only under medical supervision.
Warning: If you suddenly think you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you 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. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other things to be careful about when taking medication
You may need to make some changes to your lifestyle when taking amlodipine. Also, its effects may change when combined with other medications.
Possible interactions with other medications
If you are taking these medications, tell your doctor before starting amlodipine. These can interact with amlodipine.
| Name of the medicine (English Term) | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Clarithromycin | This antibiotic can significantly lower blood pressure. |
| Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus | These immune-suppressing drugs can increase the levels in the body. |
| Diltiazem, Itraconazole | Because these also affect blood pressure, the combined effect can be overwhelming. |
| Simvastatin | It may increase the effects of this cholesterol-lowering medication and cause side effects. |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, or supplements you are taking.
Lifestyle considerations
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medication may make you feel a little dizzy and drowsy . Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this affects you.
- Getting up suddenly: Be careful when getting up suddenly from a sitting position, especially if you are older, or when getting up suddenly from a lying position. Doing so can cause dizziness or fainting spells. So always change positions frequently.
- Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, this medication may make you more sleepy and dizzy. Therefore , it is best to stay away from alcohol.
- Medicines for other illnesses: If you are taking medicine for a cough, cold, or body ache, do not take it without consulting your doctor. Some painkillers and decongestants can increase your blood pressure.
Side effects that may occur from the medicine
Like any medicine, amlodipine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash , itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, and feeling cold. |
| Low blood pressure | Severe dizziness, feeling faint, blurred vision. |
| 🙂 Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Facial flushing | Redness of the face for no reason. |
| Heart palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, pounding, or irregularly. |
| Swelling of the feet | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Stomach pain and nausea | Stomach ache or nausea. |
Take-Home Message
- Take Amlodipine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the same time every day. Never change or stop taking it on your own.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- Be aware of dizziness when taking the medication. Be especially careful when driving and changing positions suddenly.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face/throat.
- Dispose of expired or unwanted medications safely. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
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