Amlodipine Tablet 2.5 mg |Norvasc Tablet for High Blood Pressure

1. Introduction

Amlopidine  Besylate  Tablet is a medicine of the angio-selective calcium channel blocker group. It is an antihypertensive medicine. It is the most popular Medicine used to treat high blood pressure. It is available in 2.5 mg/5mg/10mg strength.

2. Brand Names

This Medicine is readily available in the market by its generic name, Amlopidine Besylate. Some Pharma companies have given it's brand names, which are different according to each company, but the chemical composition is the same. Branded Medicine may be more expensive than generic Medicine. Some examples of branded names are as follows

• Norvasc tablet
• Amlokind tablet
• Amlopres tablet
• Amlovas tablet
• Aginial tablet
• Katerzia
• Amlsafe
• Amlovas
• Amtas
• Amlodac
• Amlong
• My Amlo

Besides this, you can also get with others name in the medical shop.

3. Uses

Now, we will discuss the uses of Medicine and which diseases it is used for. It is used to treat hypertension, which increases the blood pressure of patients. [Normal Blood Pressure is 120/80, where 120 is systolic and 80 is diastolic]. 

The other disease is coronary artery disease. In which symptoms like chest, arm, neck, and shoulder pain are prescribed to the patients. Any high blood pressure patients take antihypertensive Medicine like Losartin, Enalapril, and Atenolol. If blood pressure is not controlled, then amlodipine is given in combination with them.

4. Side Effects

It is a safe medicine, so commonly, it does not cause any side effects. In cases of overdoses or other problems, patients may face difficulties like

• Swelling in the Leg and ankle
• Felling weakness
• Pain in the abdominal area
• A warm sensation on the face
• Heart Rate increases irregular 
• Dizziness (1.1-3.4%)
• PalpitATION (0.7-4.5%)
• Fatigue (4.5%)
• Somnolence (1.4%)
• Nausea (2.9%)
• Edema (7.3%)
• Headache (7.3%)
• size of blood vessels may increase, which causes low blood pressure

Besides these, if any other side effects are seen, stop taking this Medicine and, as soon as possible, contact your Doctor so that further treatment can be given.

5. Why is blood pressure increased?

First of all, we will know how blood pressure increases. A calcium ion contracts the cells of vascular smooth or cardiac muscle cells, so the blood flow rate increases in the narrow space and blood pressure increases.

If you have:-

• Renal diseases
• Cirrhosis of lever
• sleep apnea
• congenital narrowing of the aorta
• Alcohol, smoking
• Age, Stress, obesity, family history

6. Mechanism of Action

Amlopidine controls or stops the movement of calcium ions in the vascular smooth muscle cells. And cardiac muscle cells, due to which blood vessels do not become narrow and blood flow is normal.

7. Dosage

It is available in the market in 2.5 mg,5mg, and 10mg strength. Take a 5 mg Amlopidine tablet for one time early in the morning after breakfast. You can also take an empty stomach.

8. FAQs about Amlodipine

8.1 I still need to get my dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your amlodipine on time, don't worry. Take it as soon as you remember. However, if you only remember, skip the missed doses the following day. Remember to take your subsequent doses at the regular time. Do not take a double amount to make up for a missed one. 

8.2 I have mistakenly taken too much medication. What should I do?

Amlodipine in overdoses can be dangerous. The symptoms of overdoses appear as drowsiness and dizziness. If you believe you have taken an overdose of this medication, please seek an emergency medical assessment.

8.3 Can I drink alcohol with this medication?

Drinking alcohol alongside your medication is safe. Do not drink too much alcohol; take on the limit. However, for some, the combination can cause dizziness. 

8.4 Are there any foods I should avoid?

If you are taking amodipine, you must avoid any grapefruit products. This is because grapefruits contain a chemical that can interfere with your body's ability to naturally break down your medication. Therefore,  grapefruit increases the level of amlodipine in your blood and increases your risk of side effects.

8.5 How long does amlodipine take to work?

Amodipine will start working soon after you take this medication. However, regular dosing takes a week or so to reach its optimum effects. Your prescribing Doctor will leave for a brief period of around 2 weeks. Before re-evaluating their blood pressure and considering dose adjustments, most patients treated for high blood pressure will have never experienced any disease symptoms. You are unlikely to feel different while taking this medication.

8.6 How and when to take amlodipine?

Amlodipine should be taken once daily. You can take this medication at any time of the day, but keep it regular and at an accurate time. Most of the patients take this medication in the morning. You can take this Medicine with or without food. But always drink more water while taking Medicine.

8.7  How long will I need to take amlodipine?

Most patients prescribed amlodipine will usually continue this medication lifelong. If patients stop taking Medicine, it will likely result in a return of high blood pressure. Over the long term, the risk of heart attacks and stroke is decreased by controlling high blood pressure.

8.8 What is the correct dose of amlodipine?

 Amlodipine doses typically range from between 2.5 mg to 10 mg once daily. The typical starting amount is 5 mg once daily. Dosing will vary from person to person and will need adjusting depending on how well your blood pressure is controlled after commencing this medication. 

8.8 Is amlodipine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Amlodipine is not recommended for use in both pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, if you are taking this medication, you are planning to become pregnant or already pregnant. Please consult your Doctor for a suitable alternative. Your Doctor will then weigh up the benefits of taking this medication vs the risk of harm to your baby.

8.8 Who should not take this Medicine?

If you have the following conditions, it is best to speak with your Doctor before taking this Medicine. 

• You have experienced a prior allergic reaction to amlodipine or other calcium channel blockers.
• Experience postural hypotension, where your blood pressure drops significantly when standing.
• If you suffer from an unpredictable form of angina, also known as unstable angina.
• There is a significant narrowing of your aortic heart valve.
• If you suffer from liver disease or kidney disease.