Amlodipine is a drug used for treating high blood pressure, angina and coronary artery disease. It can also be used to ease chest pain. Even though this drug helps treat illnesses or diseases, like any other drug, it also has side effects. These can be very serious and should not be ignored.
What is Amlodipine?
Amlodipine is a prescription drug that mainly comes in tablet form. It is used to lower blood pressure and help blood flow more easily through the heart in the event of blocked artieries. Amlodipine can be taken alone or alongside other heart treatments or medications.
How does Amlodipine Work?
Amlodipine is classified as a calcium channel blocker. This class of drugs refers to the medications that work correspondingly to treat similar conditions or ailments.
Amlodipine blocks the calcium from entering certain arteries and tissues, making it easier for the body components to relax and blood to flow through the heart. It also helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Taking amlodipine for chest pain can reduce the risk of hospitalization and further surgeries.
Side Effects of Amlodipine
Common Side Effects of Amlodipine
The following are some of the most common side effects of Amlodipine:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Inflammation of the ankles or legs
- Flushing or warm/hot feeling in the face
- Palpitations or a very fast heart rate
- Irregular muscle movements
- Shocks
- Exhaustion or extreme drowsiness
- Wooziness
- Arrhythmia or uneven heart rate
If the above-mentioned side effects of taking Amlodipine are mild, they may go away within a few days or couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe, you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects of Amlodipine
The following are the more serious side effects of taking Amlodipine. If you are experiencing these side effects, then you must call your doctor right away.
- Low blood pressure, which can be identified by lightheadedness, fainting and severe dizziness.
- Heart attack or chest pain.
The first time you take Amlodipine, or when you increase your dosage, you may get some side effects. If you experience worsening chest pains, seek immediate medical attention, as it may progress into a heart attack. Symptoms are comprised of:
- Dumpiness in breathing
- Vomiting
- Unsteadiness
- Discomfort in the chest or chest pain
- Flouting out in a cold sweat
- Uncommon exhaustion
- Discomfort in the upper body
Interaction of Amlodipine with Other Medications
Amlodipine may interact with some medications you might be taking, including vitamins or herbs. This is why you should let your doctor manage all of your prescriptions thoroughly. If you are curious as to how Amlodipine might affect or interact with other medications, talk to your doctor.
Take note that you can reduce the interaction of this drug by getting all of your medications at the same pharmacy. That way, the pharmacist can check for any possible interactions and advise you as to the proper medication you should be using.
Warnings for Taking Amlodipine
People with Liver Complications – the drug is processed in the liver. If your liver is not functioning well, the drug can linger in your body, putting you at risk of more side effects.
Seniors – as we age, our organs may not work the same as when we were younger. Increased intake of Amlodipine may cause some risks as the drug will linger longer in the body.
People with Heart Complications – for those with heart problems like narrowing arteries, Amlodipine may increase the risk of further heart-related side effects, such as low blood pressure, worsening chest pain or heart attack.
Women Who are Pregnant – some research has shown that Amlodipine can have a negative effect on the fetus, although there is not enough information yet to confirm this.
Children – Amlodipine has not been studied on children, so it shouldn’t be taken by them, especially those under 6 years old.
Women Who are Breastfeeding – some studies state that Amlodipine passes into the breast milk. However, it is inconclusive if this affects the breastfed child.
Allergies – Amlodipine may cause severe allergic reactions, such as inflammation of the throat or tongue, rashes and discomfort in breathing.
Conclusion
Amlodipine is a prescription drug, so you should follow all the advice that your doctor gives you. It is important that, even though you are treating an illness, you make sure your medications do not interact. Always consult with your doctor before taking any new medications.
