What is Amlodipine Used For?
Amlodipine is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain). It's a calcium channel blocker, meaning it works by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow.
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Amlodipine is a cornerstone treatment for high blood pressure in both adults and children (aged 6 years and older). It's often prescribed alone or in combination with other medications to effectively manage blood pressure levels. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
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Angina (Chest Pain): Amlodipine helps relieve chest pain caused by angina by improving blood flow to the heart. This is particularly helpful for people with coronary artery disease (narrowed blood vessels supplying the heart).
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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): While not a primary treatment, amlodipine can play a role in managing CAD by improving blood flow to the heart muscle, lessening the strain on the heart and reducing the risk of future heart problems.
Important Note: When starting amlodipine or increasing the dosage, there's a small risk of worsening angina or even a heart attack. This is important to discuss with your physician.
Amlodipine's Mechanism of Action:
Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications work by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart.
Amlodipine Administration:
Amlodipine is typically administered orally as a tablet once daily. The dosage is determined by your doctor based on your individual needs and health status.
