Amlodipine Medications

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker medication used to manage hypertension and angina pectoris by widening blood vessels and reducing cardiac workload.

Norvasc

Amlodipine

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About Amlodipine Compound

Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker, is widely prescribed to lower high blood pressure and to relieve chronic stable angina. By selectively relaxing arterial smooth muscle, it reduces peripheral vascular resistance while exerting a modest effect on cardiac contractility. Marketed under brand names such as Norvasc, Amlo and Amlor, the drug is also available as a low-cost generic from numerous manufacturers. Apart from its primary indications, clinicians sometimes employ amlodipine off-label for conditions like Raynaud’s phenomenon, where its vasodilatory properties can improve digital blood flow. The balance of efficacy, once-daily dosing, and a relatively favorable safety profile makes amlodipine a cornerstone of cardiovascular therapy for many adults in Singapore.

What is Amlodipine?

Amlodipine belongs to the class of calcium-channel blockers, specifically the dihydropyridine subclass. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved the drug in 1992 for the treatment of hypertension and, shortly thereafter, for chronic stable angina. Its mechanism of action-blocking L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle-produces dose-dependent arterial dilation, lowering systolic and diastolic pressures without substantial negative inotropic effects. This pharmacological profile explains why amlodipine is often selected for older patients or those with isolated systolic hypertension. The molecule is distributed worldwide as the patented Norvasc tablets and as generic amlodipine besylate, both of which can be purchased through our online pharmacy.

How Amlodipine Works

Mechanism of Action

Amlodipine binds to a specific site on the α1 subunit of L-type calcium channels located on arterial smooth-muscle cells. By inhibiting calcium influx during the plateau phase of the action potential, the drug prevents muscle contraction, leading to sustained vasodilation. The effect is more pronounced in peripheral arterioles than in coronary vessels, which helps lower systemic vascular resistance while preserving coronary blood flow.

Therapeutic Effects

The vasodilatory action translates into two principal clinical outcomes. First, reduced peripheral resistance lowers blood pressure, decreasing the workload on the heart and mitigating the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal complications. Second, the modest coronary artery dilation improves oxygen delivery to the myocardium, alleviating angina-related chest pain during physical exertion.

Onset and Duration

Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 6-12 hours after a single oral dose, and blood-pressure reductions become apparent within 2 days of daily administration. Steady-state therapeutic levels are typically achieved after 7-10 days of consistent dosing, allowing clinicians to assess efficacy and adjust the regimen. The drug’s elimination half-life of approximately 30-50 hours supports once-daily dosing, and the antihypertensive effect persists for 24 hours.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Hypertension: HSA-approved for adults with primary or secondary high blood pressure. Clinical trials demonstrated a mean systolic reduction of 10-12 mmHg when used as monotherapy.
Chronic Stable Angina: Reduces frequency of angina attacks by improving coronary perfusion. Large-scale studies, such as the CAMELOT trial, reported a 30 % relative risk reduction in cardiovascular events when amlodipine was added to standard therapy.
Coronary Artery Disease (secondary prevention): Often combined with antiplatelet agents and statins to lower overall cardiovascular risk.

Off-Label Uses

Amlodipine is occasionally used for Raynaud’s phenomenon, where its vasodilatory effect can lessen digital ischemia. Small case series have shown symptomatic improvement, but formal regulatory approval remains absent. Some clinicians also prescribe low-dose amlodipine for prophylaxis of migraine aura, though evidence is limited and the practice is not endorsed by major agencies.

Clinical Efficacy

In a pooled analysis of more than 15,000 patients, amlodipine achieved target blood-pressure control (<140/90 mmHg) in 68 % of participants after 8 weeks, outperforming many older β-blockers in comparable cohorts. The drug’s once-daily schedule and minimal impact on heart rate contribute to high adherence rates in real-world settings.

Buying Amlodipine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing cardiovascular medication can be challenging when faced with limited pharmacy stock or high out-of-pocket costs. Our pharmacy service bridges that gap by sourcing FDA- and HSA-approved amlodipine from licensed distributors, ensuring both authenticity and compliance with Singaporean regulations. The streamlined ordering process lets you obtain treatment without repeated in-person visits.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Norvasc 5 mg & 10 mg tablets - the original patented formulation.
Amlo 5 mg & 10 mg - a locally marketed brand.
Amlor - another widely available brand in Southeast Asia.
Generic amlodipine besylate - chemically identical, offered at up to 60 % lower price.

Quality & Safety

We partner with pharmacies that meet WHO-Good Manufacturing Practice standards and operate under the oversight of national regulatory bodies. Each shipment undergoes temperature-controlled handling and verification of batch numbers against the manufacturer’s database.

Pricing & Access

Our platform offers transparent pricing, with generic tablets starting at SGD .35 per tablet. As an added benefit, a Lifetime 10 % discount applies to all reorders, helping you maintain long-term therapy without financial strain.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are packaged in plain, tamper-evident parcels. Express shipping delivers within 7 days, while the standard option arrives in approximately 3 weeks, both with full tracking.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Amlodipine is supplied as oral tablets in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg. Some markets also provide a 2.5 mg/5 mg fixed-dose combination with atorvastatin, but the monotherapy tablets remain the most common.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Hypertension: Initiation usually starts at 5 mg once daily; clinicians may increase to 10 mg if blood pressure remains above target after 2 weeks.
Chronic Stable Angina: The same 5 mg starting dose is typical, with a possible escalation to 10 mg for refractory symptoms.
Special Situations: In patients with severe hepatic impairment, a reduced dose of 2.5 mg daily is often recommended to avoid accumulation.

These examples reflect standard practice; the exact regimen must be individualized by a qualified healthcare provider.

Administration Guidelines

Amlodipine can be taken with or without food; however, high-fat meals modestly delay peak concentrations without affecting overall efficacy. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Avoid crushing or chewing, as the extended-release profile would be compromised.

Remember, a prescriber will tailor the dose based on your medical history, concurrent medications, and laboratory results.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Peripheral edema: Reported in 10-15 % of patients; typically dose-related and may improve with dose reduction.
Headache: Occurs in about 8 % of users, often mild and transient.
Dizziness or light-headedness: Seen in 5-7 % of patients, especially after the first few doses.
Flushing: A vasodilatory effect experienced by roughly 4 % of individuals.
**Fated in 3-5 % of trial participants.

Serious Adverse Events

Rarely, amlodipine can precipitate severe hypotension, particularly when combined with other antihypertensives. Cases of acute hepatic injury have been reported, although causality is difficult to confirm. Any sudden chest pain, fainting, or rapid weight gain (suggestive of heart failure) warrants immediate medical evaluation.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to amlodipine or other dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers.
Unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction (use in these settings is not recommended).
Severe aortic stenosis-vasodilation could exacerbate cardiac output compromise.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, ketoconazole) may increase amlodipine plasma levels, raising the risk of edema and hypotension.
Concurrent antihypertensives (especially ACE inhibitors or diuretics) may potentiate blood-pressure lowering; close monitoring is essential.
Simultaneous use with other calcium-channel blockers (e.g., verapamil) is generally avoided because of additive effects on cardiac conduction.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Classified as Category C; animal studies show risk, and human data are limited. Use only if the benefit outweighs potential fetal harm.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts pass into breast milk; a cautious approach is advised.
Elderly: Reduced renal clearance may increase exposure; start at the lower end of the dosing range.
Hepatic/Renal Impairment: Dose reduction to 2.5 mg daily is often prudent in moderate to severe impairment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes amlodipine different from other blood-pressure drugs? Amlodipine primarily dilates arterial vessels without significantly affecting heart rate, whereas β-blockers reduce cardiac output and ACE inhibitors block angiotensin-II formation. This distinct mechanism can be advantageous for patients who experience bradycardia or who need a once-daily regimen.
How long before amlodipine produces noticeable effects for hypertension? Blood-pressure reduction usually becomes evident within 2 days, but clinicians wait 7-10 days to assess the full therapeutic response and decide on dose adjustments.
Why do I get swelling in my ankles after starting amlodipine? Peripheral edema arises from increased hydrostatic pressure in capillaries due to vessel dilation. Elevating the legs, reducing salt intake, or discussing dose reduction with your doctor can help manage this side effect.
What should I do if I experience a sudden drop in blood pressure? Sit or lie down immediately, elevate your legs, and contact a healthcare professional. Severe hypotension may require adjustment of your medication regimen.
Does taking amlodipine with food affect its absorption? Food, especially high-fat meals, can delay the time to reach peak concentration by up to an hour, but the overall amount absorbed remains unchanged. You may take the tablet with or without meals according to personal preference.
Can I drink grapefruit juice while on amlodipine? Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4, potentially raising amlodipine levels. Moderate consumption is generally safe, but large quantities should be avoided and discussed with your provider.
Is amlodipine safe for people with diabetes? Yes, the drug does not adversely affect glucose metabolism and is often used in diabetic patients who need blood-pressure control, provided kidney function is monitored.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing amlodipine?
- Complete list of current prescription and over-the-counter medications, including supplements.
- History of liver or kidney disease, heart failure, or prior episodes of edema.
- Recent blood-pressure readings and any symptoms such as dizziness or swelling.
- Pregnancy status or planned conception, if applicable.

Disclaimer

The information provided about amlodipine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing amlodipine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing amlodipine.