৳ 120
৳ 8 /unit
৳ 120
৳ 8 /unit
At a glance
Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris.
Indications
Essential hypertension (alone or with other antihypertensives), chronic stable angina pectoris (alone or with other antianginals), vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal's) (alone or with other antianginals).
Pharmacology
Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker with long duration of action. It inhibits transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. Administration results in vasodilation, reduced peripheral vascular resistance, and decreased blood pressure. It increases coronary blood flow and myocardial oxygen supply.
Dosage
Hypertension:
- Usual dose: 5 mg once daily
- Maximum dose: 10 mg once daily
- Elderly & hepatic impairment: 2.5 mg once daily (starting dose)
- When adding to other antihypertensives: 2.5 mg once daily
Angina (Chronic stable or Vasospastic):
- 5-10 mg once daily
- Elderly & hepatic impairment: Lower dose (2.5 mg)
- Most patients require: 10 mg once daily
Children (6-17 years, hypertension):
- Initial: 2.5 mg once daily
- After 4 weeks if needed: 5 mg once daily
- Doses >5 mg not studied in children
Under 6 years: Effect not known.
Side effects
Common side effects (vasodilation-related):
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Headache
- Hypotension
- Peripheral edema
Other side effects:
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Increased urination frequency
- Lethargy
- Eye pain
- Mental depression
Rare side effects:
- Paradoxical increase in ischemic chest pain (at start of treatment)
- Excessive hypotension (cerebral/myocardial ischemia)
- Transient blindness
- Rash, fever, abnormal liver function
Use in pregnancy
Pregnancy Category: C. No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
Caution in hepatic impairment. Caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Angina may worsen at start of treatment; monitor closely. Avoid with beta-blockers in severe left ventricular dysfunction.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause excessive peripheral vasodilation and reflex tachycardia. Severe hypotension, shock, and fatal outcomes reported. Management: cardiovascular support, vasoconstrictors, IV calcium gluconate, gastric lavage if needed. Dialysis is not effective (protein-bound).
Storage conditions
Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.