Amlodipine

What is Amlodipine?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes arteries, lowers blood pressure, and improves blood flow to the heart and extremities.

How it works

It blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, leading to arterial dilation. Lower resistance reduces blood pressure and angina episodes without major effects on heart rate.

Common uses

• First-line therapy for hypertension
• Preventing angina symptoms
• Improving cold-induced hand or finger spasms

Monitoring & Safety

• Labs: Kidney labs such as creatinine and electrolytes (sodium, potassium) may be checked periodically in complex patients.
• Watch for ankle swelling, flushing, or headaches; these often improve after a few weeks.

Dosing (简要)

• Usual start 2.5-5 mg once daily; may titrate to 10 mg/day.
• Take at the same time daily; food does not affect absorption.

Drug interactions

• Grapefruit juice can modestly increase levels; monitor for extra dizziness or swelling.
• Additive low blood pressure when combined with other antihypertensives.

Patient tips

• Elevate legs or use compression socks if ankle swelling appears.
• If you miss a dose, take it the same day when remembered; skip if close to next dose.
• Keep a blood pressure log to share at follow-up visits.

When to contact your doctor

• Severe dizziness or fainting.
• Rapid worsening of leg swelling or shortness of breath.
• New chest pain not relieved by rest or prescribed rescue medicine.

Medical Disclaimer: 本内容仅供教育用途，不能替代专业医疗建议。