Taking Amlodipine

Amlodipine (am-LO-di-peen) is a calcium channel blocker. It helps relax your blood vessels and get more blood and oxygen to your heart. Relaxing the blood vessels also helps lower your blood pressure and relieve any chest pain you may have.

Medicine tips

• Read the fact sheet that comes with your medicine. It tells you when and how to take it. Ask for a sheet if you don’t get one.

• Take your medicine at the same time each day. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. If so, skip the missed dose. Don't take a double dose.

• Call your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about taking your medicine.

• Take your medicine even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure don’t feel sick.

For your safety

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if there are any foods or medicines you should avoid.

• To prevent dizziness, get up slowly after sitting or lying down.

• Don't stop taking your medicine unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Doing so can make your condition worse. When stopping this medicine, the dose may need to be slowly decreased.

• Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines. This includes vitamin or mineral supplements and herbal remedies.

• Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether drinking alcohol is safe while taking amlodipine.

• Be sure to refill your prescription before you run out.

• Don't share your medicine with anyone. Make sure your medicines are stored in a place that can't be reached by children or pets.

• Ask your healthcare provider how often you should have your blood pressure checked.

When to seek medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

• You notice swelling in your ankles or feet or your skin flushes

• You have a headache or nausea

• You feel tired or weak

• You have severe dizziness

• You feel chest pain

• You have trouble breathing

• You develop a skin rash or itching