What it does
Amlodipine is a medication used to treat certain heart and blood vessel conditions.
Commonly used for: high blood pressure (hypertension), angina (chest pain)
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:46:31 · updated 2026-03-23 04:31:36
About this medicine
Amlodipine is a medication used to treat certain heart and blood vessel conditions.
What it treats
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- angina (chest pain)
How it works
Amlodipine helps relax and widen blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Who it's for
It is prescribed for adults who have high blood pressure or chest pain caused by angina.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: amlodepine
Amlodipine is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker primarily used for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. It works by relaxing blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure and decreasing the workload on the heart. Amlodipine is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with a long half-life that allows for once-daily dosing.
Indications
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Chronic stable angina
- Vasospastic angina
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific paediatric dosing guidelines.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific adult dosing guidelines.
Mechanism of action
Amlodipine inhibits the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle by blocking L-type calcium channels. This results in vasodilation, decreased peripheral vascular resistance, and reduced myocardial oxygen demand, which helps in managing conditions like hypertension and angina.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effects of amlodipine include a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and arterial pressure. It leads to significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure without causing reflex tachycardia. Amlodipine also improves exercise tolerance in patients with chronic stable angina.
Pharmacokinetics
Amlodipine has a bioavailability of approximately 64-90% and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 6-12 hours after oral administration. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by cytochrome P450 3A4, and has a half-life of about 30-50 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing. The drug is excreted mainly in the urine as metabolites, with less than 10% excreted unchanged.
Contra-indications
- Severe hypotension
- Aortic stenosis
- Cardiogenic shock
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Hypersensitivity to amlodipine or any of its components
Adverse effects
- Peripheral edema
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) may increase amlodipine levels
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, St. John's Wort) may decrease amlodipine levels
- Other antihypertensives may have additive effects when used concomitantly with amlodipine
Precautions
- Caution in patients with severe aortic stenosis
- Caution in patients with heart failure
- Monitor blood pressure regularly
- Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment
Pregnancy
Amlodipine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Caution is advised.
Breast-feeding
Amlodipine is excreted in human breast milk. Caution is recommended when administered to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg)
- Oral suspension (not widely available)
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.