Amlodipine 2.5mg Availability
Yes, amlodipine is available as a 2.5mg tablet formulation. 1
FDA-Approved Formulations
Amlodipine besylate tablets are manufactured and distributed in three strengths 1:
- 2.5mg tablets - white to off-white, round, flat-faced, beveled edge tablets with '211' debossed on one side 1
- 5mg tablets - white to off-white, round, flat-faced, beveled edge tablets with '210' debossed on one side 1
- 10mg tablets - white to off-white, round, flat-faced, beveled edge tablets with '209' debossed on one side 1
Clinical Use of 2.5mg Dose
The 2.5mg dose serves specific clinical purposes:
- Starting dose in elderly patients: The European Society of Hypertension recommends more gradual initial dosing and titration in elderly patients due to greater risk of adverse effects, particularly in very old and frail subjects 2
- Pediatric dosing: In children ages 6-17 years with hypertension, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting at 2.5mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 5mg once daily 3
- Dose-related edema management: The 2.5mg starting dose helps minimize peripheral edema, which is the most common side effect and occurs in a dose-dependent manner (1.8% at 2.5mg vs 10.8% at 10mg) 1
Standard Adult Dosing Context
For most adults with hypertension, the American Heart Association recommends 4:
- Usual starting dose: 5mg once daily
- Dose range: 2.5-10mg once daily
- Maximum dose: 10mg once daily
The 2.5mg dose represents the lower end of the therapeutic range and is primarily reserved for special populations requiring more cautious initiation 4, 2.