Amlodipine

What it is

Amlodipine is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It blocks calcium entry into the smooth muscle of arterial walls, which relaxes them and lowers the resistance the heart pumps against. It is prescribed for high blood pressure and for angina, where the same widening of coronary arteries improves blood supply to the heart muscle.

A usual adult range, not a national label — the dose and the timing differ by country and by product.

Used for

• Hypertension
• Angina pectoris

Approved uses differ by country — some of these may be off-label or unapproved where you live.

What to know while taking it

It can be taken with or without food, usually in the morning, and its long action means blood pressure stays covered across the day. Grapefruit is avoided because it blocks the enzyme that clears amlodipine, raising blood levels. Combined with simvastatin it pushes statin levels up too, so prescribers cap the simvastatin dose — a combination worth naming at every pharmacy visit. Swelling of the ankles is a known effect of the widened vessels rather than a sign of heart failure, and kidney function is followed through creatinine and eGFR.

When to see a doctor

Fainting, a very slow or racing heartbeat, chest pain that is new, more frequent, or worse than usual, or swelling that spreads upward or comes with breathlessness all mean see a doctor. Unexplained muscle pain or weakness while also on a statin should be reported promptly.

Worth knowing

• Avoid grapefruit
• Ankle swelling is a known effect

Markers to watch

• Creatinine
• eGFR