Amlodipine: What It Does, How to Use It, and What to Watch For

Amlodipine is a commonly prescribed blood pressure and chest pain (angina) medicine. If your doctor suggested amlodipine, you probably want clear, practical info: how it works, typical doses, common side effects, and quick safety tips you can use today. This page gives straightforward answers so you can use amlodipine safely and know when to call your healthcare team.

How amlodipine works and when doctors prescribe it

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes blood vessels and makes it easier for your heart to pump. That lowers blood pressure and helps reduce chest pain from angina. Doctors typically prescribe it for high blood pressure, stable angina, and sometimes for other heart-related issues. It’s taken once daily because it stays active in your body for a long time.

Usual starting doses are 2.5–5 mg once daily for many adults, and 5–10 mg once daily for others. Older adults or people with liver problems may start at lower doses. Always follow your prescriber's instructions — don’t change dose on your own.

Practical tips, side effects, and interactions

Common side effects are swelling of the ankles or feet (peripheral edema), dizziness, flushing, and headache. Swelling is the one people see most often. It’s usually not dangerous, but tell your doctor if it’s painful or gets worse quickly. Serious reactions are rare but include fainting, very low blood pressure, fast or uneven heartbeat, and allergic reactions. Get medical help if you have chest pain that feels different, sudden severe swelling, trouble breathing, or fainting.

Amlodipine is metabolized by the liver. If you drink a lot of grapefruit juice, talk to your doctor — grapefruit can raise levels of some drugs. Amlodipine can interact with other heart medicines. For example, your doctor may limit certain statin doses (like simvastatin) when you take amlodipine. Combining it with other blood pressure meds can lower blood pressure too much if not adjusted properly.

Practical day-to-day tips: take amlodipine at the same time each day, with or without food. Avoid standing up too fast for the first few days or after a dose change — that reduces dizziness and fainting risk. Limit alcohol while starting the drug, because it can make dizziness worse. Don’t stop the medicine suddenly without checking with your doctor; they’ll advise the safest way to change treatment.

Keep a log of your blood pressure readings and symptoms for the first few weeks. Bring that to follow-up visits — it helps your provider adjust dose or switch medicines if needed. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, discuss alternatives; your provider will weigh risks and benefits.

Storage is simple: room temperature, away from moisture and heat. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose — then skip the missed one. Never double up.

Questions about side effects, interactions with other meds, or how amlodipine fits into your overall heart plan? Contact your prescriber or pharmacist — they can give advice tailored to your health and other medications.