Has your doctor prescribed you amlodipine? As you start this new medication, you might have questions about what it does and why you need it.
Amlodipine is a medication that is often used to help manage high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. Emily Richards, a pharmacist with Banner Pharmacy Services, explained more about how it works, what to expect and when you should talk with a health care provider.
What is amlodipine?
Amlodipine is a prescription medication that you can take to help lower your blood pressure and improve your blood flow. “It’s part of a group of medications called calcium channel blockers,” Dr. Richards said.
These medications work by relaxing and widening your blood vessels. That makes it possible for your blood to flow more easily, so your heart doesn’t have to work as hard.
Some people think amlodipine is a beta blocker but that’s not the case. Beta blockers are a different type of medication. They also lower your blood pressure, but they work differently.
What is amlodipine used for?
Amlodipine is most often prescribed to treat:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Chest pain (angina) caused when you don’t have enough blood flow to the heart
In some cases, amlodipine might be the only medication you take for these conditions. In other cases, you may take it along with other heart or blood pressure medications, like beta blockers, to help you get better control of your symptoms.
How does amlodipine work?
Calcium plays a role in tightening the muscles in your blood vessel walls. Amlodipine limits how much calcium enters these muscles, so the blood vessels relax and widen.
“Amlodipine works by stopping calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels. This causes them to relax and helps take the pressure off the arteries,” Dr. Richards said.
Amlodipine helps:
- Lower your blood pressure
- Improve your circulation
- Reduce the strain on your heart
Amlodipine works gradually and steadily. Most people take it once a day, since it’s effective for about 24 hours.
How long does amlodipine take to work?
Some people may notice lower blood pressure a few days after starting to take amlodipine. In most cases, it can take one to two weeks to see its full effect.
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to keep taking amlodipine as prescribed. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms but controlling it helps lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Common side effects of amlodipine
Like all medications, amlodipine can cause side effects. Many are mild and improve as your body adjusts.
“The most common side effect is edema, which is swelling around both legs. This happens because, when the blood vessels relax, fluid can pool there,” Dr. Richards said. “Edema is not harmful, although people sometimes complain that it is uncomfortable and bothersome.”
You can move and elevate your legs to reduce the swelling. If that doesn’t work, your provider may want you to try a different type of calcium channel blocker, like nifedipine.
Other common side effects include:
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when you stand up
- Flushing or feeling warm
- Fatigue
Side effects are usually mild and don’t last long. Always let your provider know if side effects bother you or don’t get better.
Less common side effects to watch for
Call a health care provider if you notice:
- Severe or sudden swelling
- Chest pain that gets worse
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
These symptoms are uncommon but you should have them checked right away.
Who should be cautious when taking amlodipine?
Amlodipine may not be right for everyone. You need to take extra care if you:
- Have liver disease
- Have very low blood pressure
- Are older
- Take several different heart or blood pressure medications
Your provider will take these factors into consideration when choosing the right medication and dose for you.
How to take amlodipine safely
“You can take amlodipine safely by following your doctor’s instructions and taking it exactly as prescribed,” Dr. Richards said.
- It’s usually taken once a day
- Try to take it at the same time each day
- You can take it with or without food
- If you drink alcohol, talk to your provider since alcohol can also lower your blood pressure
Do not stop taking amlodipine without talking to your provider, even if you feel well. Amlodipine has been used and studied for years and it’s safe to take it long term.
Amlodipine and lifestyle changes
Medication is just one part of managing blood pressure. Amlodipine works best when you use it along with healthy habits, like:
- Eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet
- Staying physically active
- Managing stress
- Monitoring your blood pressure at home if your provider recommends it
These steps can help keep your blood pressure under control and support your heart health in the long term.
When should you talk to a health care provider?
Reach out to your doctor if you have:
- Side effects that don’t improve
- Blood pressure that stays high
- Questions about your dose or medication interactions
- New symptoms or symptoms that are getting worse
The bottom line
Amlodipine is a medication that your doctor may prescribe to help lower your blood pressure and improve your blood flow. When you take it consistently and combine it with healthy habits, it can play an important role in protecting your heart.
If you have questions about amlodipine or managing blood pressure, a Banner Health provider can help you understand your options and create a plan that works for you. Reach out to schedule an appointment.
