Generic
Levamlodipine (S-Amlodipine Besilate)
8 brands available in the market
At a glance
Levamlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used for the treatment of hypertension in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Description
Levamlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that inhibits transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. It has a greater effect on vascular smooth muscle than cardiac muscle. Levamlodipine is the pharmacologically active, anti-hypertensive isomer of amlodipine.
Indications
- Hypertension (adults and pediatric patients ≥6 years)
Therapeutic class
Calcium Channel Blockers
Pharmacological class
Dihydropyridine Calcium Antagonist
Pharmacology
Levamlodipine blocks calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation, which reduces peripheral vascular resistance and lowers blood pressure. It acts more selectively on vascular smooth muscle compared to cardiac muscle.
Mechanism of action
Lowers blood pressure by blocking calcium influx in vascular smooth muscle.
Dosage
Adult and Elderly:
- Starting: 2.5 mg once daily (max 5 mg/day)
- Elderly or hepatic insufficiency: Start at 1.25 mg/day
- Dose adjustment: 7-14 day intervals based on blood pressure goals
Pediatric (6-17 years):
- 1.25-2.5 mg once daily (doses >2.5 mg/day not studied)
Administration
- Take orally with or without food
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Dyspnea
- Dizziness
- Reflex tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Abdominal pain
- Edema
Precautions & warnings
- Hypotension possible in severe aortic stenosis
- Risk of angina or MI in severe coronary artery disease
- Titrate slowly in severe hepatic impairment
- Limited pregnancy data; use only if needed
Contraindications
- Known sensitivity to amlodipine
Drug interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors: Increased amlodipine exposure; dose reduction may be needed
- Simvastatin: Increased simvastatin exposure; limit simvastatin to 20 mg/day
- Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus): Monitor trough levels
Food interactions
- Avoid grapefruit products and natural licorice
- Can be taken with or without food (absorption unaffected)
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Limited data available; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: No adverse effects observed in breastfed infants; however, caution is needed; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Effective in pediatric patients 6-17 years (1.25-2.5 mg/day)
Geriatric use
Elderly: Caution required; start at lower dose (1.25 mg/day)
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Titrate slowly in severe liver disease; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause excessive peripheral vasodilation, severe hypotension, and reflex tachycardia; provide symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Levamlodipine