From the Guidelines
The maximum dose of amlodipine is 10 mg once daily for adults. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which is the 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults 1. According to this guideline, amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that can be used to treat hypertension, with a usual dose range of 2.5-10 mg per day.
Key Considerations
- Amlodipine is primarily used to treat hypertension and certain types of angina by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart.
- The medication has a long half-life of 30-50 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.
- Patients should take amlodipine at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
- Common side effects include peripheral edema, headache, flushing, and dizziness, which are dose-dependent.
Special Populations
- For elderly patients or those with hepatic impairment, starting at a lower dose of 2.5 mg daily is recommended, with gradual titration as needed.
- Amlodipine can be used in combination with other antihypertensive medications, but caution should be exercised to avoid excessive hypotension.
Evidence Summary
The 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline provides the most recent and comprehensive evidence for the use of amlodipine in the treatment of hypertension 1. This guideline recommends amlodipine as a first-line treatment option for hypertension, with a maximum dose of 10 mg once daily. The guideline also provides information on the use of amlodipine in special populations, such as elderly patients and those with hepatic impairment.
Clinical Implications
In clinical practice, amlodipine is a commonly used medication for the treatment of hypertension. The maximum dose of 10 mg once daily should be used with caution, taking into account the patient's individual response to the medication and potential side effects. Combination therapy with other antihypertensive medications may be necessary to achieve optimal blood pressure control.
From the FDA Drug Label
2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION 2.1 Adults The usual initial antihypertensive oral dose of Amlodipine besylate tablets is 5 mg once daily, and the maximum dose is 10 mg once daily.
The maximum dose of amlodipine is 10 mg once daily 2.
- The dose may be lower for certain patient populations, such as the elderly or those with hepatic insufficiency.
- The maximum dose for children ages 6 to 17 years is 5 mg once daily.
From the Research
Maximum Dose of Amlodipine
- The maximum dose of amlodipine is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the highest dose mentioned is 10 mg once daily 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Dose-ranging studies have shown that the most appropriate starting dose is 5 mg once daily, with simple adjustment to 10 mg if necessary 3.
- In some studies, the dose of amlodipine was increased to 10 mg once daily if the patient's blood pressure remained high 4, 6, 7.
- The 10 mg dose of amlodipine has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension 7.