What is the effect of amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) 15mg?

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From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Amlodipine 15mg is a higher than standard dose for this calcium channel blocker medication, and patients should consult with their healthcare provider immediately to discuss potential risks and alternative treatment options. The typical maximum recommended daily dose of amlodipine is 10mg, making 15mg exceed standard dosing guidelines 1. Amlodipine is commonly prescribed for hypertension (high blood pressure) and certain types of chest pain (angina), working by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Key Points to Consider

  • When exceeding recommended doses, patients may experience increased side effects including severe dizziness, lightheadedness, excessive lowering of blood pressure, peripheral edema (swelling in the legs/ankles), and reflex tachycardia (increased heart rate) 2.
  • Some patients with resistant hypertension may occasionally be prescribed higher doses under close medical supervision, but this is not common practice and requires careful monitoring 3.
  • If you're experiencing inadequate blood pressure control on standard doses, your doctor might consider adding a second medication rather than exceeding the maximum recommended dose of amlodipine 4.
  • Amlodipine has a low renal clearance and long half-life, which allows it to sustain its anti-hypertensive effect for more than 24 hours following a single dose 1.

Recommendations

  • Patients taking amlodipine 15mg should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss potential risks and alternative treatment options.
  • Healthcare providers should consider adding a second medication rather than exceeding the maximum recommended dose of amlodipine for patients with inadequate blood pressure control.
  • Close medical supervision is necessary for patients taking higher doses of amlodipine, especially those with resistant hypertension.

References

Research

Amlodipine in the current management of hypertension.

Journal of clinical hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.), 2023

Research

Amlodipine: an effective once-daily antihypertensive agent.

Journal of human hypertension, 1991

Research

Managing hypertension in high-risk patients: lessons and promises from the STRATHE and ADVANCE trials.

Journal of hypertension. Supplement : official journal of the International Society of Hypertension, 2006

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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