8 Habits to Avoid or Reconsider While Taking Amlodipine
Amlodipine is commonly used to control high blood pressure and prevent angina. You don’t need to stop normal daily activities, but several habits can increase side effects or interfere with treatment.
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Don’t stop amlodipine on your own. Even if you feel fine, stopping it without medical advice can allow your blood pressure to rise.
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Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Official patient guidance advises avoiding them because they can increase amlodipine levels and potentially increase its blood-pressure-lowering effects.
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Don’t drink large amounts of alcohol. Alcohol can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect and make dizziness more likely.
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Don’t ignore persistent ankle or foot swelling. Swollen ankles and feet are a common side effect of amlodipine. Tell your doctor if it’s troublesome or doesn’t improve.
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Don’t ignore dizziness or faintness. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down and avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel normal.
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Don’t start herbal remedies or supplements without checking first. Products such as St John’s wort can interact with amlodipine, and other medicines may also affect its levels.
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Don’t assume every prescription medicine is compatible. Certain antibiotics, antifungals, HIV medicines, immunosuppressants, and other blood-pressure medicines can interact with amlodipine.
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If you take simvastatin, don’t exceed the recommended dose. U.S. prescribing information says the simvastatin dose should be limited to 20 mg/day when used with amlodipine because amlodipine increases simvastatin exposure. Your prescriber should manage this—don’t change the dose yourself.
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What you don’t need to do
You don’t need to avoid exercise or healthy foods simply because you’re taking amlodipine. In fact, lifestyle measures such as regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet are important for blood-pressure control.
Bottom line: The biggest mistake is changing your medication based on an internet list. Have your doctor or pharmacist review all prescription medicines, OTC products, vitamins, and supplements you take.
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