From the Guidelines
Amlodipine does not cause decreased calcium levels in the blood. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by preventing calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessels, which helps relax and widen blood vessels to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Despite its mechanism of action involving calcium channels, amlodipine does not affect serum calcium concentrations in the bloodstream, as supported by the 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline for the management of heart failure 1. The medication blocks specific L-type calcium channels on cell membranes rather than affecting overall calcium levels in the body.
Some key points to consider:
- Amlodipine's mechanism of action is specific to calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, and does not impact overall calcium metabolism or absorption.
- The 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline mentions that amlodipine may be considered in the management of hypertension or ischemic heart disease in patients with heart failure, indicating its safety and lack of significant effects on calcium levels 1.
- Patients taking amlodipine do not require regular monitoring of their calcium levels, unlike some other medications that can affect electrolyte balance.
In terms of clinical practice, patients can continue their normal calcium intake through diet or supplements as recommended by their healthcare provider, without concerns about amlodipine interfering with calcium metabolism or absorption. Overall, the evidence suggests that amlodipine does not have a significant impact on calcium levels in the body, and its use is not associated with decreased calcium levels 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Serum calcium concentration is not affected by amlodipine.
- Amlodipine does not cause decreased calcium levels.
- The drug label directly states that serum calcium concentration is not affected by amlodipine 2.
From the Research
Amlodipine and Calcium Levels
- The provided studies do not directly address the effect of amlodipine on calcium levels in the body 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, which means it blocks the entry of calcium into certain cells of the body, particularly muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels 4, 6.
- However, this action is primarily related to its effect on blood pressure and heart function, rather than a direct impact on overall calcium levels in the body.
- None of the studies mention amlodipine causing decreased calcium levels as a side effect or consequence of its use 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Mechanism of Action
- Amlodipine works by selectively inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle during membrane depolarization of cardiac and vascular smooth muscles 4.
- This mechanism leads to a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and a reduction in blood pressure, but it does not imply a reduction in systemic calcium levels.
Clinical Implications
- The primary clinical use of amlodipine is in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris, where its calcium channel blocking activity helps to reduce blood pressure and improve cardiac function 3, 4, 5.
- While amlodipine's effects on calcium channels are well understood, its impact on systemic calcium levels or calcium metabolism is not a primary concern in its clinical use.