Amlodipine

GENERIC NAME: amlodipine

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM
Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells lining the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Since calcium is important in muscle contraction, blocking calcium transport relaxes artery muscles and dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. By relaxing coronary arteries, amlodipine is useful in preventing chest pain (angina) resulting from coronary artery spasm. Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body lowers the blood pressure, which reduces the burden on the heart as it pumps blood to the body. Reducing heart burden lessens the heart muscle's demand for oxygen, and further helps to prevent angina in patients with coronary artery disease. For more detailed information related to coronary artery disease, please read the Chest Pain, Cholesterol, and Heart Attack articles.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PREPARATIONS: Tablets ( 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg.)

PRESCRIBED FOR
Chest pain (angina) occurs because of insufficient oxygen delivered to the heart muscles. Insufficient oxygen may be a result of coronary artery blockage or spasm, or because of physical exertion which increases heart oxygen demand in a patient with coronary artery narrowing. Amlodipine is used for the treatment and prevention of angina resulting from coronary spasm as well as from exertion. Amlodipine is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
In patients with severe coronary artery disease, amlodipine can increase the frequency and severity of angina or actually cause a heart attack on rare occasions. This phenomenon usually occurs when first starting amlodipine, or at the time of dosage increase. Excessive lowering of blood pressure during initiation of amlodipine treatment can occur, especially in patients already taking another blood pressure lowering medication. In rare instances, congestive heart failure has been associated with amlodipine, usually in patients already on a beta blocker. For further information on beta blockers, please read the propranolol (Inderal) article.

USES
Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (angina). This medication is known as a calcium channel blocker. By blocking calcium, amlodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

HOW TO USE
This medication should be swallowed whole, usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. This drug is not effective if you use it only when chest pain occurs. It is very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed to help prevent chest pain. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your chest pain may worsen if the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

SIDE EFFECTS
This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position to allow your body time to adjust. Nausea, fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, drowsiness, muscle cramps, headache, or flushing may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands or feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: worsening chest pain (attacks are more frequent, more severe, or last longer), yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting, and a fast heartbeat.

DOSING
Amlodipine can be taken with or without food. Amlodipine is metabolized mainly by the liver and dosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver dysfunction.

PRECAUTIONS
Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, liver disease. Limit intake of alcohol while taking this drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.