Amlodipine

Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), some types of angina and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by changing the movement of calcium in the heart and blood vessel cells. This widens the blood vessels which increases the blood and oxygen supply to the heart and also lowers blood pressure.

Introduction #

Generic name: Amlodipine

Brand names: Katerzia, Norvasc

Drug class: Calcium channel blocking agents

Uses #

Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Prevention of Angina (heart-related chest pain)

Benefits #

In Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Stamlo 5 Tablet works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily around your body. This lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, or kidney problems in the future. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well. You should take it regularly as prescribed for this medicine to be most effective, even if you feel better.

In Prevention of Angina (heart-related chest pain)

Stamlo 5 Tablet relaxes the blood vessels and improves blood flow around your body. This means that more oxygen gets to your heart and reduces the risk of getting chest pain (angina). This medicine should not be used to treat chest pain which is already happening. It is used to prevent or reduce the frequency of angina attacks. This medicine needs to be taken regularly as prescribed for it to work effectively. So, it is important to keep taking it even if you feel well and have no symptoms.

Directions for use #

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Stamlo 5 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How it works? #

Stamlo 5 Tablet is a calcium channel blocker. In high blood pressure, it normalizes the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels to reduce the pressure on them, thereby improving the blood flow in the body. In heart-related chest pain (angina), the enhanced blood flow in the body relaxes the heart muscles by reducing the workload on the heart. It also improves the oxygen flow in the body, thereby, preventing any heart-related chest pain.

Side effects #

Amlodipine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest

• Worsening chest pain

• Swelling in your feet or ankles

• Severe drowsiness

• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects of amlodipine may include:

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Feeling tired

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Warnings #

• Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease.

• Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of amlodipine.

• 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 medication for the rest of your life.

• 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.

• Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are taking.

• 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.