Amlodipine
Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a calcium channel blocker for hypertension and chronic stable angina. Two tablet products are listed: Norvasc at 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg, and Exforge, which pairs amlodipine with valsartan.
Key points
- Symptomatic hypotension is possible, particularly in people with severe aortic stenosis, though amlodipine’s gradual onset makes acute drops unlikely.
- Oedema is the most commonly reported adverse reaction, occurring in a dose-related pattern: 10.8% of patients on 10 mg, and 0.6% on placebo.
- Worsening angina and acute myocardial infarction can develop after starting or increasing the dose, particularly in people with severe obstructive coronary artery disease.
Common questions about Amlodipine
What does Exforge add to amlodipine?
Exforge pairs amlodipine with valsartan in one tablet, listed for hypertension in the Heart & Blood Pressure category. Norvasc contains amlodipine alone and is also indicated for chronic stable angina.
How long does amlodipine stay in the body?
The terminal elimination half-life is about 30 to 50 hours, so steady blood levels build over several days. In people with impaired liver function, the half-life lengthens to about 56 hours, and dose increases should be gradual.