Amlodipine

Filed under: Anti Angina Medication, Anti Hypertensive Medication, Vasodilators

Displayed: Amlodipine Istin 5mg

Amlodipine is marketed as Istin here in the United Kingdom (as besylate, mesylate or maleate) belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel antagonists. Which interfere with the conduction of signals in the muscles to the heart relaxing blood vessels, so that blood can pass through them more easily.

Amlodipine is used in the treatment of hypertension, prophylaxis of angina to help prevent attacks of chest pains in angina. It does this by improving the blood supply to the heart. The knock-on effect is an improved ogygen supply to the heart leading to relief from the chest pain associated with angina. Contra-indications are: cardiogenic shock, unstable angina, significant aortic stenosis. Amlodipine tablets do not provide immediate relief from chest pain caused from angina.

There are two different types of contraindications, absolute and relative. In an absolute contraindication the medication cannot be given to that particular patient. Relative contraindications means that the patient is at higher risk of complications and it may be considered necessary to administer if the overall benefits to the patient out-weigh the risks from the drug.

Like other calcium channel antagonists Amlodipine acts by relaxing the smooth muscle in the arterial wall, decreasing peripheral resistance and hence reducing hypertension (raised blood pressure); in angina it increases blood flow to the heart muscle. Amlodipine can be used safely by asthmatics and non-insulin-dependent diabetics.

Amlodipine is also used in the treatment of hypertension (raised blood pressure) Amlodipine in common with drugs of this class may also cause the blood pressure to fall too low when treatment is first started. It is also worth mentioning that amlodipine in rare instances may cause the worsening of angina at the start of treatment.

Amlodipine Istin is well tolerated in patients with heart failure and a history of hypertension or ischaemic heart disease.

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Anti-angina drug with overdose danger – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – NO.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol could reduce blood pressure further.

Side Effects

You may if prescribed amlodipine suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages, on the other hand you may find you do not suffer any side effects at all. It does not follow being on this medication will cause you unwanted adverse effects.

Common:Ankle Swelling, Dizziness, Leg swelling, Hot flushes, Feelings of tiredness, Headache (especially at the start of treatment), Indigestion, Muscle cramp, Mood changes.

Rare: Stomach pain, Nausea, Breathing problems, Palpitations, Rash, Erratic behaviour, hepatitis, Unusual Bleeding or Bruising, Hair Loss, Shortness of Breath, Visual disturbances, Ringing in the Ears.

Very Rare: Abnormal Liver function, Inflammation of the Liver, Yellowing of the Skin, Severe Skin Reactions and enlarging of the male breasts.Changes in number of blood cells idenfified by a blood test (leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia).

Serious allergic reaction is rare. If you suddenly find yourself wheezing, have difficulty in breathing, a swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, or a rash or itching, especially if it is affecting the whole body, you should report it to your doctor immediately.

The side effects listed here may not include all of the side-effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare, or any other side- effects you suffer not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

It is documented that no problems would be expected over a prolonged time period.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Avoid these activities until you know how this amlodipine will affect you. The drug could be the cause of lowering blood pressure which will cause dizziness among other possible problems such as a feeling sick, headache or tiredness. Any of these symptoms could affect your concentration. Make sure you are not affected before you drive or operate machinery that calls for high levels of concentration.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or likely to become pregnant you must speak with your doctor before taking amlodipine. Amlodipine in pregnancy should be taken only on the advice of your doctor and then only if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the baby. You should not breast feed while taking amlodipine. Discuss both these important issues with your doctor, be guided by his or her advice.

Amlodipine is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary/alternative medication.

If you see a doctor other than your usual doctor or you need to go in to hospital, let them know what medicines you are taking.

Over 60′s & Children

There is no special requirements for the over sixties. The initial dose for both adult and the elderly would be 5mg. increasing to a maximum of 10mg. depending on the response of the individual. This drug is not recommended for children under the age of 18yrs. of age.

Overdose

If for what ever reason you take an unintentional extra dose it would be unlikely to cause concern. However, if a large overdose has been taken or you think a child may have swallowed any of this medication you should contact your doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital A&E department taken this medication with you.

Other Medication Reactions

Plasma concentration of amlodipine may be reduced by St John’s wort. The hypotensive effects of amlodipine may be enhanced when given a long-side sildenafil. Diltiazem (for angina), ketoconazole (antifungal), itraconazole (antifungal) or ritonavir (antiviral). If taken along-side amlodipine these medicines may increase the levels of amlodipine in your blood.

Any other medicines to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) including ACE inhibitors (eg. captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril); beta-blockers (eg. atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol); other calcium antagonists (eg. bendroflumethiazide, furosemide). The combination of these drugs with amlodipine may cause you to become dizzy or faint due to a lowering of blood pressure.

Missed A Dose

If you miss your dose it can be taken as soon as you remember. If you only remember much later do not take the missed dose and do not double up the dose. Go back to your regular routine taking only the amount prescribed at your next regular schedule.

Ideally you would have already checked with your doctor. Failing this ring the surgery, or check next time you see your doctor.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. as it can lead to a worsening of your condition.

Effect Of This Medication

Effects can be felt within 6 to 12 hours with a lasting action of 24 hours.

Storage and Safety

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take amlodipine if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exit.
• Keep amlodipine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely.

If amlodipine has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

• Summary of Product Istin®, tablets electronic Medicines Compendium. last updated on the eMC: 01/04/2010, medibolism: accessed 21 December 2010.
• Summary of Product Amlostin® 10mg tablets, electronic Medicines Compendium. last updated on the eMC: 19/02/2010, medibolism: accessed 21 December 2010.
• Summary of Product Characteristics, Amlostin®, 5mg Tablets, electronic Medicines Compendium. last updated on the eMC: 19/02/2010. medibolism: accessed 21 December 2010.

If you would rather read the information leaflet you can find it here View Patient Information Leaflet