Legal classification of medication
POM
Amlodipine tablets can only be obtained in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner and therefore the legal status of the medication is prescription only medication (POM).
Formulations
Amlodipine come in two strengths, 5mg and 10mg and are available in tablet form. Tablets from different manufactures will contain different salts, i.e. besilate, maleate, and mesilate. The salts make no difference to the strength of the tablet.
Class of drug
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
Indications
How does it work?
As a calcium channel blocker, Amlodipine works by slowing down the rate at which calcium moves into the heart and into the smooth muscle, which lines the blood vessel walls. This in turn helps to relax the vessels, which allows better blood flow and causes lower blood pressure. It also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood, by reducing the resistance against which the heart has to work.
Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium blocker, which means that it does not have an effect on the heart rate but has an affect on the peripheral arteries and coronary arterioles.
How is it taken?
Amlodipine taken orally, is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal system, however the absorption is slow and it takes the drug 6 to 12 hours to reach its peak concentration with in the blood, and therefore the dose of Amlodipine is once daily regardless of the strength. Amlodipine can be taken before or after food.
Amlodipine tablets should not be stopped unless instructed by the doctor this is because it takes 7-8 consecutive days for a steady state of the drug to be achieved in the body.
For the treatment of hypertension or angina usually initial dose of 5mg once daily is given, to a maximum of 10mg once daily depending on patient response. A dose of 2.5mg once daily is given to patients who have severe liver problems.
Pregnancy and breast feeding
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Amlodipine should be only used in pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the mother and fetus.
Amlodipine is distributed in breast milk and therefore is contraindicated in nursing mothers.
Contraindications
Amlodipine should be avoided if you have any of the following apply to you. Please remember to always discuss with your own doctor before stopping any prescribed medication.
Side Effects
The most common side-effects of Amlodipine are due to its property of dilating arterioles and often disappear on continued therapy. They include:
Accumulation of fluid in the hands and ankles is a common side-effect it occurs typically 2 or more weeks after starting the therapy. The oedema may respond to simple measures such as elevation of feet or the doctor may reduce the dose of the medication. In all cases contact the doctor if swelling occurs after starting therapy.
