Has your doctor prescribed you a medication for high blood pressure, or as we all know it, "pressure"? Then you are probably familiar with the name Levamlodipine. This is a very common and very important medication that is given to control high blood pressure. But like any medication prescribed by a doctor, there are a few things we need to know when using it. So today, let's talk about this medication in a simple and friendly way, how it works in our body, what to be careful about when taking it, and the possible side effects.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Levamlodipine is a medicine used to control high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the walls of the blood vessels in our body as blood flows through them. When this pressure exceeds the recommended level, it is called high blood pressure.
Imagine that when a water pipe gets a little clogged, it becomes difficult for the water to flow, and pressure builds up, right? That's how it is. Levamlodipine works by widening our blood vessels and relaxing them. Then the heart has to work harder to pump blood, which means it has less weight. As a result, the pressure inside the blood vessels also decreases, and the pressure returns to normal. This type of medicine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing Levamlodipine to you, your doctor will ask you a lot of questions about your health. But you should also make sure to tell your doctor about the following:
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| If you have another heart condition | It can help change the dosage of the medication or prescribe a different medication that is more suitable for your condition. |
| If you have liver disease | The liver plays a major role in removing this medicine from our body. If there is a liver problem, the dosage of the medicine may need to be reduced. |
| If you have allergies to Amlodipine, Levamlodipine or other medicines or foods | If you have an allergy, this medicine is not suitable for you. Therefore, it is important to mention that. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You need to be very careful when using any medication during pregnancy, so you should definitely talk to your doctor about this. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Talk to your doctor to find out if the medication passes to the baby through breast milk and if it has any effect, and to get advice about it. |
The correct way to use the medicine
- Take this medicine with a glass of water. It is very important to take it at the same time every day , exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- You can take this before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
- Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop suddenly, even if you feel better.
- People over the age of 65 may experience a slightly stronger effect from this medication, so they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
- Although this medicine is prescribed to young children (over 6 years of age) in some special cases, special care should be taken with it.
Warning: Overdose
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 for advice.
Also, remember, this medicine was prescribed for you only by the doctor. Never give your medicine to others , as it may harm them.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed pill and take the next one at the scheduled time. Never take two pills at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Levamlodipine can interact with some medications, foods, and other things you take. This means that it may change how well the medicine works or increase its side effects. So tell your doctor about all the things you are taking.
- Other medications (e.g. Cyclosporine, Diltiazem, Simvastatin, Tacrolimus)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. Erythromycin, Clarithromycin)
- Antifungals (e.g. Itraconazole)
- Drugs like Sildenafil
- Other vitamins, herbal medicines, and Ayurvedic medicines you are taking
- If you smoke or drink alcohol, tell us about it too.
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Be sure to go to the clinic on the days your doctor prescribes to check your progress.
- Measuring your blood pressure: Measure your blood pressure at home as instructed by your doctor. Ask your doctor what your normal blood pressure should be and when you should call your doctor if your blood pressure changes.
- Taking other medications: Do not take over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or body aches while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor first. Some painkillers and decongestants can increase blood pressure.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel a little drowsy and dizzy. So, do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Changing positions: Avoid going from sitting to standing or from standing to sitting suddenly, especially if you are elderly. Doing so can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication, so it is best to stay away from alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Levamlodipine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, fainting. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Increased chest pain (angina) | Increased pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Facial redness, inflammation | Feeling hot or red in the face. |
| Palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, loud, or irregularly. |
| Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet | This can occur due to fluid retention in the body. |
| Nausea, stomach pain | Stomach discomfort. |
This list may not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything different, talk to your doctor for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Levamlodipine is a medication that controls high blood pressure. As the doctor says, it is very important to take it at the same time every day.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins, traditional medicines, and herbal products).
- You may feel drowsy and dizzy while taking the medicine. Therefore, be careful when doing tasks that require attention, such as driving.
- If you suspect an overdose, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic symptoms (swelling of the face, lips), seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage on your own. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
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