What is amlodipine?
Amlodipine is a generic vasodilator and antihypertensive drug, whose mechanism of action is to block calcium channels (L)by the group of dihydropyridines (the active ingredient of this drug), acting only through smooth muscle at the arterial level and providing oxygen to them.
It comes as 5 mg tablets, with doses of 2.5 to 5 mg in children and adolescents, 5 mg up to 10 mg maximum for adults.
Note: One study mentions that: “The dose of amlodipineacts on the peripheral circulation by relaxing the smooth muscleof the blood vessels and producing vasodilation.” (1)
What is amlodipine for?
This drug is one of the most prescribed for certain cardiovascular diseases, due to its greatcapacity to improve the complex flow of blood in the arteries, and specifically because it has the following remarkable functions:
1. High blood pressure
Amlodipine isa drug mostly prescribedfor hypertension. Its compound dihydropyridineprevents excess calcium, decreases the contractility of the vascular walls of theheartso that it does not spend energy.
2. Angina pectoris
Amlodipine is indicated to relieve the symptoms of angina pectoris, called a pectoral obstruction caused by ischemia or also by low levels of blood flow from the coronary arteries to the muscle of the myocardium.
You should know: Amlodipine as a calcium antagonist reduces plasma concentrations, Myocardial Oxygen Requirement and decreases the forced peripheral resistance of the heart.
3. Coronary heart disease
Amlodipine has promising effects in coronary heart disease, a heart condition that occurs in the coronary arteries, due to an accumulation of lipids such as cholesterol and that leads to the symptoms of angina pectoris.
In this sense, tests have been carried out together with another drug, enalapril, since both can reduce the risk of mortality in patients with coronary disease and hypertensive patients.
Amlodipine Side Effects
It is important to know that many drugs have adverse effects and although amlodipine is well tolerated, it does not escape this, so the doctor must be notified if the following side effects are detected:
- Headache and fatigue.
- Vomiting and abdominal pain.
- Edema, flushing and palpitations.
- Swelling specifically in the ankles.
You should know: In case of presenting any of the aforementioned adverse reactions or others not present in this list, it is recommended to stop taking amlodipine and Seek Immediate Medical Attention .
Contraindications of amlodipine
Like many drugs, amlodipine has significant contraindications in patients with the following conditions:
- Cardiogenic shock.
- Heart failure.
- Patients with liver failure.
- Severe hypotension.
- Hypersensitivity to dihydropyridine active ingredients.
Important: If you have any of the health conditions mentioned above, it is recommended to inform the specialist doctor before starting treatment with amlodipine.
Key Findings
- Amlodipine is a generic vasodilator medication , belonging to the calcium channel blockers.
- It is used in specific doses to lower blood pressure and control chest pain.
- Consumption of amlodipine may cause nausea or edema as side effects.
- It is contraindicated in patients with heart failure, liver failure, hypotension and hypersensitivity to its components.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.