Amlodipine is commonly used for the following conditions.
Amlodipine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Amlodipine relaxes your blood vessels so that blood can move through them more easily and your heart does not have to work as hard.
Amlodipine is available as Katerzia, Norliqva, Norvasc and generic amlodipine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
Oral Tablet and Oral Solution. Amlodipine oral tablets and solution (Norliqva) should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container. Protect from direct sunlight.
Oral Suspension. Amlodipine oral suspension (Katerzia) should be stored in a refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Avoid freezing and excessive heat. Protect from light.
The most common side effects of amlodipine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of amlodipine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
While less common, the most serious side effects of amlodipine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Amlodipine may cause low blood pressure , especially if you have severe aortic stenosis , a condition where your heart valve does not open all the way. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
Increased Angina or Heart attack. When you first start taking amlodipine or increase your dose, your chest pain (angina) may get worse or you may have a heart attack . This risk is higher if you have severe obstructive coronary artery disease , a condition where the blood vessels that deliver blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your heart get blocked. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use amlodipine products:
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific amlodipine products they stock.
Do not take amlodipine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share amlodipine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep amlodipine out of the reach of children.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if amlodipine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions
Other Medicines and Supplements. Amlodipine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using amlodipine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how amlodipine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Amlodipine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
