Dosage For High Blood Pressure
Adult dosage
- Typical starting dosage: 5 mg taken once per day.
- Dosage increases: Your doctor may change your dosage based on your blood pressure goals. If your blood pressure is still not under control after 714 days of treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage.
- Maximum dosage: 10 mg per day.
Child dosage
- Typical dosage: 2.55 mg taken by mouth once per day. Doses above 5 mg havent been studied in children and shouldnt be used.
Child dosage
This drug shouldnt be used in children younger than 6 years.
Senior dosage
- Typical dosage: 2.5 mg taken by mouth once per day.
- Note: Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal adult dosage may cause levels of amlodipine in your body to be higher than normal. If youre a senior, you may need a lower dosage.
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Amlodipine comes as a tablet and an suspension to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take amlodipine, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amlodipine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of amlodipine and gradually increase your dose.
Amlodipine helps to control high blood pressure, angina, and coronary artery disease, but does not cure these conditions. Continue to take amlodipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amlodipine without talking to your doctor.
How Is Amlodipine Given
Amlodipine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or compounded liquid solution. It may be given with or without food, however if vomiting occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food. Measure liquid forms carefully. It is important to not miss or skip doses do not stop this medication before talking to your veterinarian.
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours however, effects may not be visibly obvious and therefore laboratory tests may need to be done to evaluate this medications effectiveness.
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Angiotensin Ii Receptor Blockers
These drugs block the effects of angiotensin, a chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow. Angiotensin needs a receptor- like a chemical “slot” to fit into or bind with- in order to constrict the blood vessel. ARBs block the receptors so the angiotensin fails to constrict the blood vessel. This means blood vessels stay open and blood pressure is reduced.
| Generic name |
Some noted possible side effects of Angiotensin II receptor blockers:
- May cause occasional dizziness.
- ARBs should not be used during pregnancy.Medications that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury or even death to a developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, consult your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Treating For Multiple Conditions
The type of blood pressure medication your doctor prescribes may depend on what other health problems you have. For example, if you have coronary artery disease and high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker. If you have had a myocardial infarction due to CAD, a beta-blocker can lower your blood pressure and decrease your overall risk of death.
If you have diabetes, your doctor may choose an ACE inhibitor or an ARB. Thats because these drugs can help protect the kidneys from diabetic damage by lowering the blood pressure in your kidneys.
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High Blood Pressure Drug Treatment Plans
For most people, the first-choice medication for high blood pressure is a thiazide diuretic. For other people, a diuretic alone is not enough to control blood pressure. In these cases, a diuretic may be combined with a beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker, or calcium channel blocker. Adding a second medication may lower your blood pressure more quickly than using a diuretic alone. Also, it allows you to take less of each medication, which may reduce side effects.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects
Side effects in cats may include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, or sleepiness. Side effects in dogs may include gingival overgrowth. Serious side effects include a very low or very fast heart rate, collapse, severe weakness, changes in urination, limb swelling, or abnormal bleeding.
This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
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How To Take Amlodipine
- Timing: Take amlodipine once a day. Try to take your doses at the same time each day. You can take amlodipine with or without food. Swallow your tablet with a glass of water.
- Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking amlodipine. It may increase your chance of side effects such as feeling dizzy.
- Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
- Keep taking amlodipine regularly. Treatment with amlodipine is usually long term. Do not stop taking amlodipine suddenly speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.
Are There Any Risk Factors For This Medication
Amlodipine should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, that are in shock, that have aortic stenosis, or are in liver failure. It should be used cautiously in pets with heart failure, liver disease, at risk for low blood pressure, and in pets that are pregnant and/or lactating, as safety has not been established.
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What Is This Medication
AMLODIPINE treats high blood pressure and prevents chest pain . It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which helps decrease the amount of work your heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.
This medicine may be used for other purposes ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME: Norvasc
How To Take Norvasc
Use Norvasc exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking amlodipine or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using amlodipine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your hypertension or heart condition may be treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your doses or stop taking any of your medications without your doctor’s advice. This is especially important if you also take nitroglycerin.
Amlodipine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
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What Other Drugs Will Affect Amlodipine
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
-
simvastatin or
-
any other heart or blood pressure medications.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with amlodipine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to amlodipine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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You Get High Blood Pressure From Stress
Your blood pressure may go up for a while when you’re under stress, but stress by itself doesn’t cause long-term high blood pressure. Of course, if you’re under a lot of stress all the time, this can still affect your health.
Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being obese, and not being physically active do raise your chance of high blood pressure. If it runs in your family, or if you’re African-American, your risk is also higher. Blood pressure also tends to go up as we age.
What Does Amlodipine Oral Tablet Cost
Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.
Financial assistance to help you pay for amlodipine oral tablet may be available. Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites that provide resources to help reduce the cost of Amlodipine oral tablet.
They also offer tools to help you find low-cost healthcare and certain educational resources. To learn more, visit their websites.
Do not take more amlodipine oral tablets than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
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Amlodipine Oral Tablet Brand
Amlodipine oral tablet is a generic medication. But it is also available in a brand-name version called Norvasc.
Note: The oral suspension form of amlodipine has another brand-name drug version. To learn about this other version, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Amlodipine oral tablet is a generic drug, which means its an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The brand-name medication that amlodipine oral tablet is based on is called Norvasc.
Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug theyre based on. In general, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
If youd like to know more about using Norvasc instead of amlodipine oral tablet, talk with your doctor. And see this Healthline article to learn more about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs.
Like most drugs, amlodipine oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects. These lists dont include all possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- the dosage youre prescribed
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you may be taking
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of amlodipine oral tablet. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.
Consumer Information Use And Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care providerâs examination and assessment of a patientâs specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at .
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When You Start Taking Amlodipine
Take amlodipine exactly as your GP has told you. Follow the directions on the label.
If you are not sure, check with your GP or pharmacist.
Take amlodipine even if you feel well. You will still get the benefits of the medicine.
Talk to your GP about changing medicine if you cannot take amlodipine or other calcium channel blockers because of side effects.
If You Have High Blood Pressure You Have To Take Medication
Lifestyle changes are the first step for blood pressure that’s a little high. You may not need medicine if you exercise, eat healthy, lose weight or quit smoking if you need to, limit alcohol, and cut salt.
If that doesn’t work, your doctor will likely prescribe medication. If medicine brings your blood pressure down to normal, don’t stop taking it. And do keep the healthy lifestyle habits. You need both to lower your chances of having a stroke or other serious health problem.
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Our Drug Information Touches You In Many Ways
Your doctor might access our drug knowledge through their electronic medical record software to manage and make decisions related to your medications. Your pharmacist may do the same through their pharmacy dispensing software . Our drug databases are also used in many consumer-focused software systems, a few of which are listed below, where we help to improve medication understanding and enhance safety.
See what others, like Fortune and Chain Drug Review are saying about First Databank.
Read our blog articles to learn more about what our own experts have to say.
Will I Have Side Effects When Stopping Amlodipine
Yes, you may have certain side effects when stopping amlodipine. Your symptoms can depend on the reason youre taking the drug.
For example:
- If you take amlodipine for high blood pressure, its likely your blood pressure will increase after you stop taking the drug.
- If you take amlodipine to treat coronary artery disease and angina , you may start having chest pain again after the drug is stopped.
Do not stop taking amlodipine unless your doctor says its safe to do so. If they recommend that you should stop amlodipine, its likely your doctor will decrease your dose slowly over time. This can help lessen any side effects that you may have from stopping the drug.
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What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . Store the suspension in the refrigerator and avoid freezing protect it from light.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
How Do Doctors Know If The High Blood Pressure Medication Is Working
After starting treatment, your doctor will regularly monitor your blood pressure. It may be necessary for them to adjust the dosage, change drugs, or add a second drug to control your blood pressure.
Your doctor can choose a second drug from any of the first-line classes. In some cases, they may need to consider another antihypertensive class, such as a beta-blocker.
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How To Use Amlodipine Besylate
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking amlodipine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, check the manufacturer’s information or ask your pharmacist for specific directions. Some brands of the liquid form should be shaken before use, while other brands do not need to be shaken before use. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
If used for angina, this medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat angina when it occurs. Use other medications to relieve an angina attack as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens .