Amlodipine
Also sold as: Norvasc
Prescription neededCalcium channel blockers
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 5 mg once a day, increased to 10 mg if needed. Start with 2.5 mg in elderly people or those with liver disease.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- swollen ankles
- flushing
- headache
- dizziness
- tiredness
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- chest pain that gets worse
- fainting
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Very low blood pressure or shock
- Severe narrowing of the aortic heart valve (use with caution)
- Liver disease (start with a lower dose)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin raises amlodipine levels and can cause low blood pressure.
- Simvastatin
Amlodipine raises simvastatin levels; do not take more than 20 mg simvastatin a day.