What is Amlodipine Besylate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Apr 24, 2024  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Amlodipine Besylate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Norvasc, Katerzia

Generic Names:

  • Amlodipine besylate

Uses:

  • Lowers high blood pressure and relieves chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina (chest pain). Amlodipine also treats coronary artery disease when the diagnosis has been verified by blood vessel X-rays (angiography).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive, antianginal, cardiovascular agent, calcium channel blocker

Forms:

  • Tablet, oral suspension (liquid)

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Amlodipine Besylate used for?

Amlodipine besylate is FDA-approved to treat hypertension, chest pain (angina), and coronary artery disease. Healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries to the lungs).

What form(s) does Amlodipine Besylate come in

  • Tablet

    • 2.5 mg

    • 5 mg

    • 10 mg

  • Oral suspension (liquid)

    • 1 mg/mL

What are common Amlodipine Besylate doses?

  • For high blood pressure: 

    • In adults: 5–10 mg once daily

    • In children 6–17 years old: 2.5–5 mg once daily

  • For angina:  5–10 mg once daily

  • For coronary artery disease:  5–10 mg once daily

Common Amlodipine Besylate prescriptions

  • amLODIPine Besylate
    30 tablets bottle

  • amLODIPine Besylate
    30 tablets disp pack

  • amLODIPine Besylate
    10mg tablet

  • amLODIPine Besylate
    2.5mg tablet

  • amLODIPine Besylate
    5mg tablet

How to take Amlodipine Besylate

  • Take this medicine as directed. 

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. 

  • It is easier to remember each day’s dose if you take each dose at the same time every day.

  • Amlodipine can be taken with or without food.

  • How to take amlodipine tablets

    • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water

    • Store the tablets at room temperature in a light-protected container

  • How to take amlodipine suspension

    • Shake the bottle well before measuring a dose

    • Use the calibrated oral syringe or other measuring device that comes with this medicine to measure the dose accurately

    • Store amlodipine oral suspension at room temperature, protected from light, freezing, or excessive heat

What to do if you miss a dose of Amlodipine Besylate

  • If a dose is missed, take it when remembered.

  • If it’s been 12 hours or more after the dose is normally taken, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose as scheduled.

  • Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

Amlodipine Besylate contraindications

  • Amlodipine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to amlodipine.

Amlodipine Besylate warnings

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor may need to do lab tests regularly to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Tell your doctor if you have:

    • A history of liver disease

    • A history of heart disease

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: 

    • Peripheral edema

    • Low blood pressure

    • Worsening of chest pain

    • Heart attack

    • Heart rhythm abnormalities

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in a normal range. 

Amlodipine Besylate interactions

  • To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you use before taking amitriptyline.

  • Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

  • Amlodipine can increase the risk of side effects caused by other medicines. Alternatively, other medicines can increase the risk of amlodipine side effects. Tell your doctor if you are also using alprazolam, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, itraconazole, ritonavir, sildenafil, simvastatin, or tacrolimus.

Find more detailed information about amlodipine besylate interactions to avoid here.

Amlodipine Besylate side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:

  • New or worsening chest pain

  • Trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Racing heartbeats, abnormal heartbeats, palpitations

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

  • Swelling, particularly in your hands, ankles, or legs

Find more detailed information about amlodipine side effects here.

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