Amlodipine is a prescription-only medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It can also be taken to prevent chest pain and reduce the risk of future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Amlodipine comes in tablet or liquid form.

Amlodipine is a kind of medicine known as a calcium channel blocker. These medicines reduce high blood pressure by relaxing and widening the blood vessels. Wider blood vessels make it easier for blood to move through the body and supply blood to the heart to reduce blood pressure.

How long does it take for amlodipine to lower blood pressure?

Amlodipine starts working on the day you first start taking it, but it may take a couple of weeks until you fully see the effects. If you take amlodipine for high blood pressure, you may not feel any different as it often produces no symptoms, but this does not mean that it is not working, so you should still keep taking it.

How long does amlodipine stay in your system?

Amlodipine stays in your system for about 1-2 days after taking your last dose.

Is amlodipine an ACE inhibitor?

Amlodipine is not an ACE inhibitor, it is a calcium channel blocker. Both dilate the blood vessels, but ACE inhibitors do this by slowing the activity of the enzyme ACE.

Is amlodipine a beta blocker?

Amlodipine is not a beta blocker. Both are used to treat angina and hypertension, but beta blockers do this by blocking norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to beta receptors.

Swallow amlodipine tablets whole with a glass of water, with or without food. You may be advised to take your first dose at bedtime as it may make you feel dizzy. After that you can take it in the morning, or morning and evening if you take it twice a day. Make sure you take your dose(s) at the same time every day.

What should I do when I miss a tablet?

If you forget to take a tablet, take one as soon as you remember that day. If you have not taken a dose of amlodipine in a whole day, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal the next day. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Amlodipine comes in 5mg and 10mg tablets. Your reasons for taking amlodipine will determine what dose you get. The usual starting dose is 5mg, but if you find that this is not effective your doctor may increase your dose to 10mg.

Can I buy amlodipine online?

Yes, you can order amlodipine online through Superdrug Online Doctor. You will simply need to fill out a questionnaire, which is then reviewed by one of our doctors to make sure amlodipine is a suitable treatment for you. If your order is approved, your amlodipine can be sent directly to you, or to your local Superdrug Pharmacy for you to pick up.

How much does amlodipine cost?

Pack Size: 3 month Supply (84 Tablets)

Price: £18

Price per pill: 21p

Can I get amlodipine on the NHS?

Yes, you can get amlodipine on the NHS after you have been prescribed it from your doctor.

Can I buy amlodipine over the counter?

No, you cannot buy amlodipine over the counter as you will need to be assessed by a doctor so that they can write you a prescription. Here at Superdrug Online Doctor you can order online and if our doctors agree it is a suitable treatment for you, it can be sent directly to your door. You can also pick it up from your local Superdrug store if that works better for you.

Amlodipine is a common medication and many people using it will not get side effects. However, like any medication, side effects can occur. If you are worried about any side effect, you must speak with a doctor straight away.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness and sleepiness
• headaches
• palpitations (feeling your heartbeat)
• flushing
• tiredness
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• ankle swelling and oedema

Uncommon side effects include:

• redness of the face and neck, rash or itch
• Change in taste, dry mouth, digestion problems
• Shaking, pins and needles
• Problems with vision
• Problems sleeping, irritability, depression, or mood changes
• Low blood pressure or fainting
• Erectile dysfunction

Rare side effects include:

• Problems with the number of blood cells or platelets
• Blood sugar problems
• Liver problems
• Problems with feeling in fingers and toes
• Disorders of movement such as rigidity or tremor

What are the long term side effects of amlodipine?

Amlodipine should be taken long term to help keep your blood pressure down. It is safe to be taken regularly over a long period of time. If you feel you are having side effects you should talk to your doctor about this as they will be able to recommend an alternative treatment.

Amlodipine and oedema

Amlodipine can cause pedal oedema, an accumulation of fluid in the feet and lower legs. If you notice swelling or puffiness of the skin, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Amlodipine and swollen ankles

Swelling is one of the most common side effects of amlodipine, and most usually occurs around the feet and ankles.

Amlodipine and erectile dysfunction

Amlodipine widens the arteries and decreases blood pressure, which means that some men who take it may struggle to get or maintain an erection. You should talk to your doctor about this as they can check for other causes of erectile dysfunction and perhaps suggest alternative medication for hypertension, and/or treatment for your erectile dysfunction, including lifestyle measures or medication.

Does amlodipine cause weight gain?

There is no research that has linked weight gain and amlodipine, but many people have reported a weight gain when taking amlodipine. This may be because of swelling of the ankles and oedema.

Amlodipine is known to interact with:

• antifungal medicines like ketoconazole and itraconazole
• hiv medications like ritonavir, indinavir and nelfinavir
• St. John’s wort
• antibiotics like rifampicin, erythromycin and clarithromycin
• dantrolene (used to treat body temperature abnormalities
• diltiazem and verapamil (used to treat heart disease)
• ketoconazole, itraconazole (antifungal medicines used to treat thrush and ringworm)
• Simvastatin (used to treat high cholesterol)

Tell your doctor about any medication you are taking before starting your treatment with Amlodipine.

Amlodipine and simvastatin

Amlodipine can slightly increase exposure to simvastatin, a medicine used to lower cholesterol.

Amlodipine and Viagra

Viagra can add to the blood pressure lowering effects of amlodipine, which means they are dangerous to take at the same time.

Amlodipine and ibuprofen

Amlodipine and ibuprofen do not have any major interactions when taken together. However, long term use of ibuprofen can increase your blood pressure and risk of heart attacks and stroke. Taking ibuprofen with amlodipine is usually safe in the short term, but it may make amlodipine less effective at controlling your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor if you are taking ibuprofen frequently so you can better understand the risks.

What painkillers can I take with amlodipine?

You can safely take paracetamol while taking amlodipine.

Food to avoid when taking amlodipine

You can eat or drink normally while taking amlodipine. However, do not eat or drink grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as this can interact with the medicine.

Why can I not eat grapefruit with amlodipine?

Grapefruit can increase the concentration of amlodipine in your body, which can worsen side effects.

Coronavirus and amlodipine

There have been some recent concerns about whether amlodipine increases your risk of complications from coronavirus. But, the official advice is that it is still safe to take amlodipine as normal.

What if amlodipine does not work?

Alternative calcium channel blockers include:

• nifedipine
• felodipine
• lacidipine
• Lercanidipine

There are also many other medications for high blood pressure, as well as lifestyle measures. Your doctor will help find the right approach for you.