| Amlodipine Pharmacology |
| Amlodipine |
| About Amlodipine |
| Calcium Channel Blocker, Anti hypertensive,anti angina. |
| Mechanism of Action of Amlodipine |
| Amlodipine is a second generation dihydropyridine Ca channel blocker. It exerts it`s antihypertensive, antianginal actions through blocking the influx of Ca ions through voltage gated L-type Ca channels to the peripheral vascular smooth muscle cells, Coronary smooth muscle cells and to the myocardial cells. Thus causes dilatation of vascular endothelium, decrease peripheral resistance, & reduce myocardial oxygen demand .It markedly relax arterioles and milder effects on veins. They do not compromise haemodynamics and cerebral and renal perfusion. |
| Pharmacokinets of Amlodipine |
| Absorption: Well absorbed orally, Distribution: Widely distributed in a protein bound form, Metabolism: Metabolized in liver, but there is no active metabolite. |
| Onset of Action for Amlodipine |
| Slow |
| Duration of Action for Amlodipine |
| 24 hours |
| Half Life of Amlodipine |
| N/A |
| Side Effects of Amlodipine |
| 1.Palpitation 2.Flushing 3.Nausea 4.Vomiting 5.Abdominal pain 6.Edema 7.Headache 8.Dizziness 9.Paresthesia 10.Light headedness 11.Fatigue 12.Aggravates myocardial ischaemia 13.Rashes |
| Contra-indications of Amlodipine |
| 1.Heart failure 2.Aortic stenosis 3.Hypersensitivity to the drug 4.Unstable angina 5.Hepatic impairment 6.Along with other anti hypertensive drugs. |
| Special Precautions while taking Amlodipine |
| 1.Cardiovascular disorders: Use cautiously in cardiovascular disorders because it aggravates myocardial ischaemia. 2.Sick sinus syndrome 3.Renal impairment 4.Use cautiously along with other antihypertensive drugs, |
| Pregnancy Related Information |
| Contraindicated. |
| Old Age Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Breast Feeding Related Information |
| Use with caution. |
| Children Related Information |
| Contraindicated |
| Indications for Amlodipine |
| 1.Hypertension 2.Prinzmetal`s angina 3.Stable angina |
| Interactions for Amlodipine |
| ACE inhibitors, Thiazide diuretics: Potentiates effect of these drugs. Beta Blockers: Best avoided, especially by those with impaired LV function due to depressant effect on myocardial contractibility or AV conduction. Fentanyl: Severe hypotension or increased fluid volume requirements. |
| Typical Dosage for Amlodipine |
| 5 mg once daily. Maximum dose: 10mg/day Prinzmetal`s angina and Stable angina: 5 to 10mg once daily. Hypertension: 2.5 to 5mg once daily. Dose may increase up to 10mg once daily as required by the individual needs. . |
| Schedule of Amlodipine |
| H |
| Storage Requirements for Amlodipine |
| Store at room temperature below 30 degree C. Protect from moisture and light. |
| Effects of Missed Dosage of Amlodipine |
| Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Effects of Overdose of Amlodipine |
| Monitor &support cardiac and respiratory functions. Measure the BP. Give cardiovascular support by elevating the limbs and maintaining fluid balance. Administer vasopressers like nor epinephrine and Calcium gluconate if required. |