How should Amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) be taken?

How to Take Amlodipine

Amlodipine should be taken once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels and effectiveness. 1

Dosing Information

• Starting dose:

  • For hypertension: Usually 5 mg once daily 2, 1
  • For elderly patients or those with hepatic impairment: Consider starting at 2.5 mg once daily 1

• Dose adjustment:

  • If blood pressure control is inadequate after 6 weeks, dose can be increased to 10 mg once daily 3
  • Maximum recommended dose is 10 mg daily 1

• Administration timing:

  • Can be taken in the morning, with dinner, or at bedtime 1
  • Taking it at the same time each day helps maintain consistent blood levels 1, 4

Important Administration Guidelines

• Amlodipine can be taken with or without food 1
• The tablet should be swallowed whole with water
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it's been more than 12 hours since the missed dose; in that case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time 1
• Do not double-up on doses to make up for a missed dose

Medication Characteristics

Amlodipine has several unique pharmacokinetic properties that make it effective as a once-daily medication:

• Long elimination half-life (40-60 hours) 4
• Gradual onset of action (peak plasma concentration occurs 6-8 hours after dosing) 4
• Low fluctuation in plasma concentration between doses (20-25%) 4
• Maintains effective blood pressure control throughout the 24-hour dosing period 5, 6

Common Side Effects to Monitor

• Peripheral edema (swelling of legs or ankles)
• Dizziness
• Flushing (feeling of warmth in face)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea 1

Special Considerations

• For patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the choice of calcium channel blocker may depend on heart rate:

  • Relative bradycardia favors nifedipine and amlodipine
  • Relative tachycardia favors diltiazem 2

• For patients with PAH who demonstrate vasoreactivity, higher doses may be needed (up to 20 mg daily) 2

• Amlodipine can be used in combination with other medications if needed:

  • Can be used with nitroglycerin for angina patients 1
  • Can provide additional antihypertensive effects when combined with ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or thiazide diuretics 7

Important Precautions

• Do not abruptly discontinue amlodipine; blood pressure returns to baseline gradually over 7-10 days 4
• Store at room temperature (20° to 25°C or 68° to 77°F) 1
• Keep away from light and moisture; do not store in the bathroom 1
• Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions 1

Amlodipine's once-daily dosing regimen and consistent 24-hour blood pressure control make it a convenient and effective option for treating hypertension and angina.