From the FDA Drug Label
With chronic once daily oral administration, antihypertensive effectiveness is maintained for at least 24 hours.
The time to wait for amlodipine to work is at least 24 hours with chronic once daily oral administration, as its antihypertensive effectiveness is maintained for this duration 1.
- Key points:
- Amlodipine has a gradual onset of action.
- Its antihypertensive effectiveness is maintained for at least 24 hours with chronic once daily oral administration.
- The precise time to reach maximum effect is not specified in the provided drug labels.
From the Research
Amlodipine typically begins working within 24 hours after taking the first dose, but the full blood pressure lowering effect may take 7-10 days to develop, as supported by the most recent study 2. The medication works gradually to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, and it's essential to continue taking amlodipine as prescribed even if you don't feel any different. Some key points to consider when taking amlodipine include:
- The standard starting dose is usually 5mg once daily, which may be increased to 10mg daily if needed after 2-4 weeks.
- Amlodipine works by blocking calcium channels in blood vessel walls, causing them to relax and widen, which reduces blood pressure.
- During the initial period, some patients may experience side effects like ankle swelling, headache, or flushing, which often improve with continued use.
- Blood pressure should be monitored regularly while adjusting to the medication, and you should not stop taking amlodipine suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider, as discontinuation of amlodipine treatment results in a slow return of blood pressure to baseline over 7-10 days, with no evidence of a 'rebound' effect 3. The most recent study 2 highlights the cardiovascular benefits of amlodipine in current hypertension management, making it a wise choice for patients with hypertension.