Amlodipine 5mg

Description

Active Ingredient: Amlodipine besylate (equivalent to 5 mg amlodipine).

Therapeutic Class:
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB), antihypertensive, and antianginal agent.

Indications:

• Hypertension: Lowers blood pressure to reduce cardiovascular risks like stroke and heart attack.
• Chronic Stable Angina: Prevents chest pain by improving blood supply to the heart.
• Vasospastic Angina (Prinzmetal’s Angina): Relieves coronary artery spasms.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Reduces hospitalization risk and need for revascularization

Mechanism of Action:
Amlodipine inhibits calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac cells, causing vasodilation. This reduces peripheral resistance and blood pressure while increasing oxygen delivery to the heart.

Dosage & Administration:

• Adults: Initial dose: 5 mg once daily; may increase to 10 mg if needed. For angina, 5–10 mg daily.
• Elderly/Hepatic Impairment: Start at 2.5 mg; titrate cautiously.
• Children (6–17 years): 2.5–5 mg daily (5 mg tablets not suitable for splitting).
• Administration: Take with or without food, preferably at the same time daily. Avoid grapefruit juice (increases bioavailability).

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to dihydropyridines or excipients.
• Severe hypotension, cardiogenic shock, aortic stenosis.
• Hemodynamically unstable heart failure post-MI

Precautions:

• Heart Failure: Use cautiously; may increase pulmonary edema risk.
• Hepatic/Renal Impairment: Adjust dose in severe liver disease; no dose change needed for renal impairment.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid unless benefits outweigh risks. Excreted in breast milk.

Side Effects:

• Common (≥1%): Peripheral edema, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, headache, nausea.
• Serious (Seek Immediate Care): Severe hypotension, worsening angina, arrhythmias, allergic reactions (e.g., angioedema), or liver dysfunction.

Drug Interactions:

• CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): Increase amlodipine levels → risk of hypotension.
• Simvastatin: Limit to 20 mg daily (risk of myopathy).
• Tacrolimus/Cyclosporine: Monitor blood levels.

Storage & Handling:

• Tablets: Store at room temperature (20–25°C), away from light and moisture.
• Suspension: Refrigerate (2–8°C); do not freeze.
• Dispose via take-back programs; avoid flushing.

Patient Counseling:

• Adhere to lifestyle changes (low-sodium diet, exercise).
• Report chest pain, swelling, or dizziness. Avoid abrupt discontinuation
• Caution with driving/machinery due to dizziness.

Conclusion:
Amlodipine 5 mg is a cornerstone in managing hypertension and angina, offering once-daily dosing and broad efficacy. Regular monitoring and adherence to prescribed regimens are critical. Consult healthcare providers for dose adjustments or side effects