Short Description
Amlodipine 2.5mg Tablets contain amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of angina. This product contains 2.5mg of amlodipine per tablet. The appropriate dose and duration of treatment are determined by the prescribing healthcare professional.
What Is Amlodipine 2.5mg?
Amlodipine 2.5mg 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 rather than directly on the heart's electrical activity.
In treatment, amlodipine helps relax and widen blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the pressure the heart needs to generate. This product contains 2.5mg of amlodipine per tablet. The appropriate dose and duration of treatment are determined by the prescribing healthcare professional based on the individual patient's needs.
Uses
Amlodipine 2.5mg may be prescribed to:
Treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
Manage certain types of angina, including Prinzmetal's (variant) angina, a less common form caused by spasm of the coronary arteries
The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual health needs.
How Does Amlodipine Work?
Amlodipine works by blocking calcium channels in the smooth muscle of blood vessel walls. This reduces the entry of calcium into these muscle cells, causing the blood vessels to relax and widen. As a result, blood can flow more easily, blood pressure is lowered, and in angina, blood supply to the heart muscle is improved.
Because amlodipine's blood pressure-lowering effect develops gradually, typically over four to eight hours after a dose, it does not usually trigger a reflex increase in heart rate the way some faster-acting blood pressure medicines can. With regular use, the full effect on blood pressure is generally established over the first one to two weeks of treatment.
How to Take Amlodipine
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 blood pressure often has no symptoms and treatment is usually needed on an ongoing basis
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours since the missed dose, skip it and continue with your next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose.
Important Safety Information
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. It is important to check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
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.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Amlodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects may include:
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat with difficulty breathing), chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
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.
Storage
Store at room temperature, in a cool, dry place
Protect from direct sunlight and moisture
Keep out of reach and sight of children
Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging