Amlodipine

Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 3/27/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of amlodipine has been shown to cause side effects in some patients.

Common mild side effects of amlodipine use include:

• Dizziness
  
• Flushing
  
• Swelling of the ankles or feet (peripheral edema)
  
• Fatigue
  
• Nausea
  
• Headache
  
• Palpitations (feeling of a rapid or irregular heartbeat)
  
• Abdominal pain/ upset stomach
  
• Indigestion
  
• Drowsiness
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Severe dizziness or fainting
  
• Irregular heartbeat
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
  
• Chest pain
  
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
  
• Signs of liver problems (such as dark urine and persistent abdominal pain)
  
  

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any severe symptoms while taking amlodipine. If you experience mild side effects that become severe or do not go away after a few days, speak to a healthcare provider right away.

Before starting treatment with amlodipine, tell your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with this drug.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Other blood pressure medications
  
• Heart medications
  
• Antifungal medications
  
• Antibiotics
  
• HIV/AIDS medications
  
• Grapefruit juice or grapefruit-containing products
  
• Alprazolam
  
• Simvastatin
  
• Barbituates
  
  

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• Liver disease
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Heart conditions
  
• Allergies to amlodipine or similar medications
  
  

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using amlodipine to assess potential risks and benefits.

Try to take amlodipine around the same time every day.

Your healthcare provider may ask you to avoid grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate while taking amlodipine.

Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions regarding the use of amlodipine with food, beverages, and other medications. It's essential to follow their guidance to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize the risk of side effects.

The symptoms of an amlodipine overdose include:

• Severe dizziness or fainting
  
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Excessive drowsiness
  
  

If you experience any of these symptoms, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. If an individual has collapsed, is having seizures, or is unresponsive, call 9-1-1 immediately.