Does 2.5 mg Amlodipine Contain Milk-Derived Excipients?
No, amlodipine 2.5 mg tablets do not contain any milk-derived ingredients.
Tablet Composition
According to the FDA-approved drug label, amlodipine besylate 2.5 mg tablets contain only the following inactive ingredients: 1
- Microcrystalline cellulose (plant-derived cellulose)
- Dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous (mineral calcium salt, not dairy-derived)
- Sodium starch glycolate (modified starch)
- Colloidal silicon dioxide (mineral)
- Magnesium stearate (mineral salt)
Important Clarification About Calcium Phosphate
Dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous is a mineral compound synthesized from phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide—it is NOT derived from milk or dairy products. 1 Although the word "calcium" may cause confusion, this excipient is chemically manufactured and contains no lactose, milk protein, or any other dairy component.
Clinical Implications for Milk Allergy
Patients with milk allergy or lactose intolerance can safely take amlodipine 2.5 mg tablets, as the formulation is completely free of milk-derived excipients. 1
The guideline on oral food challenge testing notes that lactose is sometimes used as a placebo in capsule-based challenges, but explicitly warns that "lactose should not be used as a placebo for patients with milk allergy or with lactose intolerance." 2 This reinforces that lactose-containing products must be avoided in milk-allergic patients—but amlodipine tablets contain no such ingredients.