Amlodipine is mostly used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina. It acts as a calcium channel blocker that relaxes the arteries and improves blood flow. Amlodipine can be prescribed both individually and in combination with other drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. The fact is that high blood pressure does not always cause clear symptoms; therefore, the treatment is continued even in the case when patients feel absolutely healthy.
The amlodipine purpose is mainly connected with blood pressure control and the management of certain forms of angina. When people search what is amlodipine used for, what does amlodipine treat, or what is amlodipine commonly used to treat, these are the main cardiovascular conditions discussed below.
Uses of Amlodipine
Among the major amlodipine uses, there are the following ones:
- treatment of high blood pressure
- treatment of chronic stable angina
- treatment of vasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina
- improving blood flow through the arteries
- reducing vascular resistance
- treatment of hypertension in combination with other medicines, if one drug is insufficient
- treatment of certain patients with coronary artery disease
The exact use of amlodipine depends on its prescription.
Certain people need amlodipine for high blood pressure, while others use it to reduce the frequency of angina attacks.
These amlodipine tablet uses explain what conditions does amlodipine treat and why is amlodipine prescribed for different cardiovascular conditions.
Amlodipine for Hypertension
Hypertension is one of the most common uses of amlodipine.
Blood pressure is influenced by vascular resistance that blood experiences while flowing through the arteries.
If arteries are more constricted, then there is more pressure inside them.
Persisting hypertension means that the heart experiences additional stress.
Long-term untreated high blood pressure can cause complications with the heart, brain, kidneys, and the blood vessels.
Amlodipine relaxes the arterial smooth muscle and widens the arteries.
Due to reduced resistance, blood flow improves, and the blood pressure decreases.
Thus, it works on lowering blood pressure.
This explains how does amlodipine lower blood pressure and why amlodipine for hypertension is commonly prescribed.
Although patients feel no symptoms of hypertension, it is necessary to follow the treatment as most of the people with high blood pressure cannot check their blood pressure independently.
Amlodipine for Angina and Chest Pain
Amlodipine drug is also used for some types of angina.
Angina is chest pain that appears due to inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.
Amlodipine may be prescribed for:
- chronic stable angina
- vasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina
- certain patients with coronary artery disease
In chronic stable angina, decreased vascular resistance leads to the reduction of the workload of the heart and oxygen requirement.
In vasospastic angina, the spasm of the coronary artery can reduce the blood flow.
Calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine can reduce this abnormal constriction of the arteries.
Amlodipine is used for the prevention or reduction of angina attacks and is not applied as a rapid relief of severe chest pain.
All people with new, severe, or worsened chest pain should follow the emergency treatment plan and receive medical assistance, when necessary.
How Does Amlodipine Help to Lower Blood Pressure?
Amlodipine belongs to the class of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers.
Calcium plays an important role in muscle cell contraction.
Amlodipine reduces the influx of calcium into certain smooth muscle cells of blood vessel walls.
Therefore, the arteries relax.
It brings the following beneficial effects:
- the arteries widen
- vascular resistance decreases
- blood pressure drops
- heart pumping against less resistance
- coronary blood flow improvement in certain anginas
All these features of amlodipine explain many of its beneficial effects in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
These effects are among the main amlodipine benefits of this amlodipine medication.
For Whom Can Amlodipine Be Prescribed?
Amlodipine can be prescribed for:
- adults with hypertension
- certain children aged 6 years and older with hypertension
- adults with chronic stable angina
- patients with vasospastic angina
- certain patients with coronary artery disease
- those patients who require more than one drug to treat high blood pressure
Whether the drug is appropriate or not depends on the blood pressure, medical condition, other medicines taken, age, and cardiovascular history of the patient.
Amlodipine is available in several strengths of tablets that make it possible to tailor the treatment depending on its effectiveness and tolerance.
Why Can Amlodipine Be Combined with Other Drugs to Treat Hypertension?
Amlodipine is used to treat hypertension in combination with other drugs.
There are several mechanisms that cause hypertension, which makes it sometimes impossible to control it using one drug.
Amlodipine may be combined with drugs including:
- ACE inhibitors
- angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- certain diuretics
- some beta blockers in certain cases
- other cardiovascular drugs
Drugs with different mechanisms of action complement each other.
However, the combination must be individualized.
The addition of another drug or the increase in the dose may cause excessive decrease in blood pressure in certain cases.
This is one reason people may ask is amlodipine used for high blood pressure; hypertension is one of its major prescribed uses.
How Quickly Does Amlodipine Start Working?
Amlodipine starts working immediately after the beginning of treatment, however, it does not bring any instant changes.
The blood pressure may begin to decrease during the first day, but the full effect appears gradually.
It can take several days to one or two weeks to understand the effect of the drug.
That is the reason why amlodipine is usually taken once a day.
Do not estimate the effectiveness of the drug based on your sensations.
High blood pressure may decrease significantly without causing any sensations.
Blood pressure measurement is the most reliable method to estimate it.
What Should You Expect After Taking Amlodipine?
After taking amlodipine for hypertension, a healthcare specialist may want to monitor the readings of the blood pressure and side effects.
The treatment includes:
- regular measurements of the blood pressure
- home blood pressure monitoring, if necessary
- evaluation of ankle swelling and dizziness
- dose adjustment, if necessary
- addition of another blood pressure drug, if necessary
Improved readings do not mean that the treatment is unnecessary.
In many cases, improved blood pressure is caused by the drug.
Common Side Effects to Be Aware of
Amlodipine is well-tolerated, but it can have side effects.
The commonly reported ones are:
- swollen ankles or feet
- headache
- flushing
- dizziness
- fatigue
- palpitations
- nausea in certain patients
Not all patients experience these side effects.
Some of them may diminish after the body adapts to the treatment.
If you have severe or persistent side effects, inform it to your healthcare specialist.
Amlodipine and Ankle Swelling
Swollen ankles are among the well-known side effects of amlodipine.
This condition is called peripheral edema.
Amlodipine widens small arteries, which may cause increased pressure in microvessels and leakage of fluid to the surrounding tissues, especially to ankles and legs.
The risk of edema is higher with the increased dose of the drug.
However, the swelling does not mean that the patient should stop the treatment.
Your healthcare specialist may evaluate the dose, look for other reasons of leg swelling, or find another method of treatment.
Immediate medical examination is necessary in case of severe swelling, its sudden appearance, swelling of only one leg, or if it is accompanied by shortness of breath or chest symptoms.
How Does Amlodipine Contribute to a Heart-Healthy Treatment Plan?
Drug is just one part of the treatment plan.
Depending on the personal needs, heart-healthy treatment plan may include the following actions:
- decrease in the amount of excess sodium in the diet
- increase in the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and minimally processed products
- regular exercise, if medical condition allows it
- maintenance of healthy body weight
- no smoking
- cholesterol management
- diabetes management, if there is any
- regular home blood pressure monitoring
- regular taking of the medicines
Lifestyle modifications cannot replace the drug treatment, especially if the blood pressure is significantly increased.
They just supplement the prescribed treatment.
Important Safety Considerations
Sometimes, amlodipine may cause dizziness, especially in the beginning of the treatment or with the increased dose.
One should stand up carefully in case of lightheadedness.
Patients with significant liver impairment may need a careful dose adjustment as the liver plays an active role in the metabolism of amlodipine.
Inform your healthcare specialist about other blood-pressure-lowering medicines that you take as their combined action may cause the excessive decrease in the blood pressure.
Patients with severe coronary artery disease should know that the angina attacks may sometimes worsen in the beginning of the treatment or dose increase.
Severe or worsened chest pain is the reason for immediate medical examination.
Never change, stop, or decrease the dose of the medication because of one high blood pressure reading.
FAQ About Amlodipine
Is Amlodipine Used Only for Hypertension?
No.
Hypertension is one of the most common uses of amlodipine, but this drug is also used for chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina.
It is used in the treatment of certain patients with coronary artery disease.
Does Amlodipine Lower Blood Pressure Instantly?
No, not in the same way as blood-pressure medicines used in emergencies.
Amlodipine starts its action after taking a dose, but the full effect appears gradually.
The regular taking helps to achieve the maximal effects of the drug.
This feature is one of the reasons why amlodipine is taken once a day.
Can Amlodipine Prevent Chest Pain?
Amlodipine may help to reduce or prevent certain angina attacks, especially chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina.
It should not be considered as the fast-acting medicine for angina attacks.
New or worsening chest pain should be evaluated by a healthcare specialist.
Why Amlodipine Is Taken Every Day?
Amlodipine is a long-acting drug and it is usually taken once a day.
The regular taking guarantees the continuous blood pressure control and prevents the wearing-off of its effects.
Try to take it approximately at the same time each day, unless otherwise specified by your prescriber.
Does Amlodipine Cause Swollen Ankles?
Yes, it can.
The ankle or foot swelling is the well-known side effect.
It is dose-related and does not mean that the kidneys or heart work improperly.
Nonetheless, the new or significant swelling requires medical examination.
Can You Stop Amlodipine Once the Blood Pressure Becomes Normal?
Do not stop taking amlodipine without the consultation with your healthcare specialist.
Normal readings may indicate that the medicine controls your blood pressure effectively.
The stoppage of the treatment may cause blood pressure to rise again.
Your healthcare specialist can prescribe whether the dose should be maintained, lowered, or changed.
When to Consult a Doctor or Pharmacist
You should consult your healthcare specialist if your blood pressure remains higher than your target value despite taking the medicine according to the prescription.
You should contact your doctor if:
- ankle or leg swelling appears
- persistent dizziness occurs
- you faint
- chest pain becomes more frequent or severe
- palpitations appear
- you are not sure about actions after missing a dose
- you take another blood-pressure medicine
- side effects affect your daily activities
If amlodipine was prescribed to you, Grant Pharmacy will help you to understand the instructions for taking the medicine, its side effects, storage, and blood pressure monitoring.
Our pharmacist will also help you to understand the interactions of amlodipine with other medicines.
So, what conditions is amlodipine used for?
Its major uses include hypertension and certain forms of angina.
Medical References
U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed – Amlodipine / Norvasc Prescribing Information
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?query=amlodipine
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Drugs@FDA, Amlodipine Information
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/
National Health Service (NHS) – Amlodipine
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/amlodipine/
MedlinePlus – Amlodipine Drug Information
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a692044.html
American Heart Association – High Blood Pressure
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
