From the Guidelines
Amlodipine is associated with side effects such as headache and edema, which can be managed through dosage adjustments and other strategies. The most common side effects of amlodipine include headache and edema, as noted in the guidelines 1. According to the guidelines, amlodipine has a long duration of action and is typically administered at a dose of 5 to 10 mg once daily 1.
Management of Side Effects
- For edema, elevating legs, reducing dosage, or switching to a different antihypertensive class may help.
- Headaches often resolve within 1-2 weeks as the body adjusts, but can be managed with acetaminophen if needed.
- For severe or persistent side effects, dosage reduction (from 10mg to 5mg or 2.5mg daily) is often effective while maintaining therapeutic benefit.
Mechanism of Side Effects
Amlodipine blocks calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation that lowers blood pressure but can simultaneously produce unwanted effects in other tissues 1. Most side effects are dose-dependent and may diminish over time as tolerance develops, typically within 2-4 weeks of starting therapy.
Comparison with Other Calcium Channel Blockers
Other calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, felodipine, and verapamil, have different side effect profiles and durations of action 1. However, amlodipine's side effects are generally well-tolerated and can be managed effectively, making it a commonly used medication for the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.
From the FDA Drug Label
What are the possible side effects of amlodipine besylate? Amlodipine besylate may cause the following side effects Most side effects are mild or moderate: swelling of your legs or ankles tiredness, extreme sleepiness stomach pain, nausea dizziness flushing (hot or warm feeling in your face) arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) heart palpitations (very fast heartbeat) muscle rigidity, tremor and/or abnormal muscle movement
The possible side effects of Amlodipine include:
- Swelling of legs or ankles
- Tiredness or extreme sleepiness
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Dizziness
- Flushing (hot or warm feeling in the face)
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Heart palpitations (very fast heartbeat)
- Muscle rigidity, tremor, and/or abnormal muscle movement These side effects are usually mild or moderate. If you experience any of these side effects, you should tell your doctor. 2
From the Research
Amlodipine Side Effects
The side effects of amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, include:
- Edema (swelling) 3, 4, 5, 6
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeat) 3
- Dizziness 3, 5, 7
- Flushing (redness of the skin) 3, 5, 6, 7
- Headache 4, 5, 6, 7
Management of Side Effects
The management of amlodipine side effects can be achieved through:
- Dose adjustment: Lower doses of amlodipine (2.5-5mg) may result in lower rates of edema and headache 4
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring of patients for signs of edema, particularly in the pediatric population 6
- Combination therapy: Amlodipine can be used in combination with other agents, such as beta-blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and nitrates, with a favorable safety profile 7
Patient Factors
Patient factors that may influence the incidence of side effects include: