Amlodipine 10mg Tablets contain amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of angina (chest pain). This 10mg strength represents the maximum recommended daily dose, generally used once blood pressure or angina symptoms have not been adequately controlled at lower doses.
Amlodipine 10mg tablets contain the active ingredient amlodipine, usually present as amlodipine besilate, which belongs to a class of medicines called calcium antagonists (calcium channel blockers). It acts on the blood vessels to help regulate blood pressure and blood flow to the heart.
In treatment, amlodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing the pressure the heart must work against. The 10mg strength is typically reached by gradually increasing from a lower starting dose, rather than being used as an initial dose.
Amlodipine 10mg may be prescribed to:
Treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
Manage chronic stable angina and vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina
Support treatment in patients with angiographically documented coronary artery disease, where appropriate
The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual health needs.
Amlodipine works by blocking calcium channels in the smooth muscle of blood vessel walls. This limits the entry of calcium into these muscle cells, causing the blood vessels to relax and widen. As a result, blood flows more easily, blood pressure is lowered, and in angina, blood supply to the heart muscle is improved while easing the heart's workload.
Amlodipine's blood pressure-lowering effect develops gradually, typically over four to eight hours after a dose, and its full effect is usually established after regular use over one to two weeks. When increasing from a lower dose, doctors generally allow one to two weeks between dose adjustments to assess response.
Take Amlodipine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Usually taken once daily, at the same time each day
Can be taken with or without food
Swallow the tablet with a drink of water
Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can increase amlodipine levels in the blood and unpredictably increase its blood pressure-lowering effect
Do not stop or change your dose without medical advice, as your condition may return if the medicine is stopped before advised
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose, in which case skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one missed.
Before taking Amlodipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your full medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you currently use.
Caution may be needed if you have, or have had:
Liver problems
Heart or blood vessel disease, including narrowing of the aortic heart valve
Poor circulation to the brain
Unstable heart failure, particularly following a recent heart attack
Amlodipine may interact with certain medicines that affect liver enzyme activity, including some antifungals, antibiotics, and HIV medicines, as well as other blood pressure medicines and simvastatin. It is important to check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
The safety of amlodipine during pregnancy has not been firmly established, and it is generally used only if considered clearly necessary by a doctor. Amlodipine passes into breast milk in small amounts, and breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking this medicine. Recommendations may vary between countries, so speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy.
Like all medicines, Amlodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects may include:
Swelling of the ankles or feet
Headache
Dizziness
Tiredness or feeling unwell
Flushing
Nausea
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, chest pain, a very low or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or shortness of breath that develops after taking too much of this medicine.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store at room temperature, in a cool, dry place
Protect from light and moisture
Keep out of reach and sight of children
Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging
Yes, 10mg is generally considered the maximum recommended daily dose of amlodipine for most adults.
Amlodipine's swelling side effect is dose-related, and studies show it occurs more frequently at higher doses such as 10mg compared with lower strengths.
It's typically prescribed after a gradual increase from a lower starting dose, allowing your doctor to assess response and tolerability along the way.
No, you shouldn't stop without medical advice. Blood pressure control usually depends on continued treatment, and stopping abruptly can cause it to rise again.
Let your doctor know if swelling is uncomfortable or doesn't improve. They may consider a dose adjustment or an alternative approach rather than you managing it alone.
It can interact with certain products, including some pain relievers and grapefruit juice. Check with your pharmacist before combining Amlodipine with new medicines or supplements.
