8 Habits to Avoid If You Take Amlodipine
Amlodipine is a calcium-channel blocker commonly used for high blood pressure and angina. Most people can take it safely for years, but a few everyday habits can increase side effects or make treatment less effective.
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Don’t stop it suddenly. Even if you feel perfectly well, stopping amlodipine without medical advice can allow your blood pressure to rise again.
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Don’t double up after a missed dose. If you forget a dose, follow the instructions for your prescription; NHS guidance says to skip a missed dose and take the next one normally rather than taking two.
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Don’t drink large amounts of alcohol. Alcohol can add to amlodipine’s blood-pressure-lowering effect and increase dizziness or light-headedness.
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Don’t ignore persistent ankle or leg swelling. Swollen ankles and feet are a common side effect of amlodipine. Tell your clinician if the swelling is troublesome or doesn’t settle.
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Don’t take new medicines or supplements without checking. Some antibiotics, antifungals, HIV medicines, immunosuppressants, other blood-pressure medicines, and herbal products such as St John’s wort can interact with amlodipine.
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Be careful with grapefruit if your local prescribing information advises avoiding it. NHS guidance currently recommends avoiding grapefruit and grapefruit juice with amlodipine, although FDA labeling has reported no meaningful effect in a specific grapefruit-juice interaction study. If you regularly consume grapefruit, ask your pharmacist about your particular product and dose.
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Don’t routinely rely on NSAID painkillers without checking. Medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen can cause problems in some people with high blood pressure and can affect kidney function, particularly with prolonged use or in people at increased risk.
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Don’t ignore dizziness or fainting. Amlodipine can cause dizziness, particularly if your blood pressure becomes too low. Sit or lie down if you feel faint and contact your healthcare professional if this keeps happening.
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One important medication interaction
If you take simvastatin, the combination with amlodipine deserves particular attention. FDA labeling reports increased simvastatin exposure when the medicines are taken together, so the dose may need to be limited according to prescribing guidance.
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Most importantly, don’t change or stop your amlodipine on your own. If you’re experiencing swelling, dizziness, low blood pressure, or other side effects, a doctor or pharmacist can determine whether the dose or medication needs adjusting.
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