Amlodipine: For First-Timers!

Have a patient starting on amlodipine? We're breaking down everything you need to know about this medication. From understanding its indications to unraveling its mechanism of action as a calcium channel blocker, I've got you covered.
Learn the ins and outs of proper administration, including dosing and what to say about missed doses. I also go through potential side effects along with the #1 reason why patients stop 🛑 taking amlodipine! Let's discuss how to manage these and what can be done to prevent it.
⌛ Video outline:
0:00 - Introduction
0:16 - #1: Indications
0:43 - #2: How it Works
1:30 - #3: How to Take It
2:15 - #4: Side Effects
3:35 - #5: Drug Interactions
3:55 - Conclusion
ℹ️ Disclosure: None. This is not a sponsored video.
⚠️ Warnings and Precautions:
Before using Amlodipine, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have heart or blood vessel diseases, aortic stenosis, liver or kidney problems, or if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Caution is advised for patients older than 65 years.
ℹ️ References:
🔗 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NB...
🔗 www.nhs.uk/medicines/amlodipi...
Makani, Harikrishna et al. “Effect of renin-angiotensin system blockade on calcium channel blocker-associated peripheral edema.” The American journal of medicine vol. 124,2 (2011): 128-35. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2010.08.007
Lexi-Drugs, CPS
⚠️ Disclaimer: These videos are intended for pharmacists. If you’re not a pharmacist and want to learn more about this topic, ask your pharmacist! If you are a pharmacist, always use your own professional judgment and consult any other necessary or appropriate sources prior to making clinical judgments. The information in this video is as current as when it was published. I do not own the rights to any of the images within this video.
Thoughts or topic suggestions? Leave a comment. Thanks for watching!
============================================================
#amlodipine #calciumchannelblocker #hypertension #highbloodpressure
What is amlodipine
How does amlodipine work
What are the side effects of amlodipine
Things to avoid if you are taking amlodipine
What to avoid when taking amlodipine
Side effects of amlodipine 10 mg 5mg 2.5mg
What are the side effects of amlodipine
What to avoid when taking norvasc
What to avoid with amlodipine 10 mg 5mg 2.5mg
What Not To Do When On This Medication
Mistakes to Avoid When Taking Amlodipine
Top Things to Avoid While on Amlodipine
Important Dos and Don'ts of Amlodipine Use
Dietary Considerations While Taking Amlodipine
Amlodipine Side Effects to Watch Out For
A Guide to Avoiding Complications with Amlodipine
Swollen ankles amlodipine
===========================================================

[@annachristensen8263]

Please note. This reduces blood pressure by artificially widening the blood vessels to lower the numbers. Over time, the vessels lose elasticity and cannot pump blood back to the heart. A much safer way is to take zinc, which does the same thing without any side effects but will improve other conditions. I learned this the hard way. I was on it a dozen or so years and it nearly caused congestive heart failure by fluids building up in the system.

[@curtislee6173]

Lots of valuable information here especially concerning the high doses which I am not taking.

[@heypharmacist]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@hazelpieters4078]

I'm taking amlodipine as well as calcium supplement, should I stop calcium intake as I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis

[@heypharmacist]

That is a really great question! I found a great answer from Harvard Health that may be useful for you - always check with your own healthcare provider though. Q. I've just been prescribed the calcium-channel blocker Norvasc [amlodipine] for high blood pressure. I also take a 600-milligram calcium supplement every day for my bones. Will they cancel each other out? A. You don't need to worry about taking a daily calcium supplement with a calcium-channel blocker. In the body, calcium not only builds bones but also powers muscle contractions. Calcium-channel blockers lower blood pressure by reducing the amount of calcium available to contract blood vessels. However, they don't prevent calcium in the blood from being incorporated into bone. Link: www.health.harvard.edu/blood-pressure/do-calcium-supplements-interfere-with-calcium-channel-blockers

[@sammitchellTKD1]

Can Amlodipine affect your ability to have kids-Sperm wise?

[@jamiemcrath4091]

Would this medication be the reason for my weight gain? I didn’t start gaining weight until I started this medication.

[@heypharmacist]

It's difficult to say to be honest! Amlodipine may cause edema or swelling of the lower limbs, which could be perceived as weight gain.