Has your doctor prescribed you or someone in your family a medicine called 'Amlodipine'? You probably have a lot of questions, especially about this suspension, which comes in the form of a liquid. What is it for? How exactly do you use it? Is there anything to be afraid of? Okay, don't be afraid of anything. Let's talk about all this clearly and simply today.
What exactly is Amlodipine Suspension?
Simply put, Amlodipine is a medication used to control high blood pressure and prevent chest pain called angina . It is given as a liquid, or suspension, for people who have difficulty swallowing pills, especially children or some adults.
Now let's see how this works. The heart pumps blood throughout the body through the blood vessels in our body. Sometimes, when these blood vessels become tight, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. That's when blood pressure increases. Amlodipine works by relaxing those tight blood vessels. Then the load on the heart decreases and blood flows more easily. This not only controls high blood pressure, but also reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart, which reduces angina chest pain.
This belongs to a class of drugs called 'Calcium Channel Blockers' . This name may sound like a big deal, but its meaning is very simple. Calcium is needed for the muscles in our blood vessels to tighten. What this medicine does is control the entry of calcium into those muscles. Then the channels don't tighten, they loosen. Do you understand?
Things to tell your doctor before starting this medication
This is very important. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know the full details of your health condition. Don't hide anything, thinking it's a small thing. Be sure to tell them the following things in particular:
- If you have any heart disease .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Amlodipine, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not, and if so, how much to give.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it correctly.
The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the prescribed time, and in the correct dosage.
- Shake well: This is a suspension, meaning the medicine particles float in the liquid. So you need to shake the bottle well before using it. If you don't, you will get the wrong dose.
- Accurate measurement: Use a special oral syringe, measuring cup, or dropper to measure the medicine. Do not measure with household teaspoons or tablespoons. These are not accurate and may cause you to take too much or too little medicine.
- Time of day: Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. That way, you're less likely to forget.
- Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, some people may experience slight stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach. If this happens, take it with food.
- Stopping: Do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to. Even if you feel better now, stopping the medication suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise again.
Be careful when giving to children.
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over 6 years of age, but only under special circumstances. If your child is prescribed this medicine, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Keep going to the clinic to check your condition as your doctor tells you. If you are told to measure your blood pressure at home, do it regularly. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be and what to do if it is high.
- Medicines for other illnesses: While you are taking this medicine, do not take over-the-counter medicines for coughs, colds, or body aches without first consulting your doctor. Some painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines can increase blood pressure.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make some people feel a little drowsy or dizzy. Therefore , do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position or out of bed. Get up slowly. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make this drowsiness and dizziness worse. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Amlodipine can cause side effects in some people. However, this does not happen to everyone. It is important to be aware of this.
| Amlodipine side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor or ETU immediately | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, fainting. |
| Excessive decrease in blood pressure | Severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet | This is a common side effect. |
| Redness of the face, feeling hot to the touch | It's called facial flushing. |
| Feeling the heartbeat | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly (palpitations). |
| Nausea or stomach pain | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
How do you keep the medicine bottle safe?
- Store in the refrigerator: Amlodipine suspension should be stored in the refrigerator. Do not store in the freezer. Freezing the medicine can cause it to lose its effectiveness.
- Keep away from children: This is very important. Keep the medicine bottle in a safe place out of the reach and sight of children and pets .
- Expiration: Check the expiration date on the bottle. Do not use any medicine that has passed the expiration date. Ask your doctor for advice on the safest way to dispose of expired, unused medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Amlodipine is a blood vessel-dilating medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina.
- Always take the medicine exactly as the doctor tells you, using the measuring device that comes with it, and at the right time.
- Before taking the medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe dizziness, chest pain, or allergic symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give it to anyone else. Keep the bottle safe in the refrigerator.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. Don't hesitate to ask.
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