Generic
Levamlodipine Maleate
12 brands available in the market
At a glance
Levamlodipine Maleate is a calcium channel blocker used for the treatment of hypertension. It relaxes blood vessels to reduce blood pressure and the workload of the heart.
Description
Levamlodipine is the pharmacologically active S-enantiomer of amlodipine. Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. Amlodipine is a 1:1 racemic mixture of levamlodipine and dextroamlodipine; levamlodipine is the pharmacologically active antihypertensive isomer.
Indications
- Hypertension - adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older
Therapeutic class
Calcium Channel Blockers
Pharmacological class
Dihydropyridine Calcium Antagonist
Pharmacology
Levamlodipine is the active S-enantiomer of amlodipine that inhibits calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation.
Mechanism of action
Relaxes vascular smooth muscle to reduce peripheral resistance and lower blood pressure.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Initial: 2.5 mg once daily
- Maximum dose: 5 mg once daily
- Elderly or hepatic insufficiency: Start with 1.25 mg once daily
- Dose adjustment: 7-14 day intervals
Children (6-17 years): 1.25-2.5 mg once daily; doses above 2.5 mg daily have not been studied
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- May be taken with or without food (food does not affect absorption)
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Dizziness
- Reflex tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Abdominal pain
- Edema
Rare: Diarrhea, back pain, headache, fatigue, nausea
Precautions & warnings
- Symptomatic hypotension may occur (especially in severe aortic stenosis)
- Worsening angina or myocardial infarction may develop (especially in severe obstructive CAD)
- Titrate slowly in severe hepatic impairment
- Avoid grapefruit products and natural licorice
Contraindications
- Known sensitivity to amlodipine
Drug interactions
- CYP3A inhibitors: Increased systemic exposure of amlodipine; dose reduction may be needed
- Simvastatin: Increased exposure; limit simvastatin dose to 20 mg daily
- Cyclosporine/tacrolimus: Increased exposure; monitor trough levels
Food interactions
Avoid grapefruit products; food does not affect absorption.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Limited available data from post-marketing reports; insufficient information to inform risk for major birth defects and miscarriage.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: No adverse effects on the breastfed infant have been observed.
Pediatric use
Dose established for pediatric patients 6-17 years.
Geriatric use
Dose established for elderly: Start with 1.25 mg once daily.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Hepatic Impairment: Titrate slowly in severe hepatic impairment.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause excessive peripheral vasodilation, marked hypotension, and reflex tachycardia.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Levamlodipine Maleate