AmlodipinePA study guide
Known brand names include Norvasc, Katerzia, and Norliqva.
A calcium channel blocker taken once a day. It widens arteries to lower blood pressure and to prevent chest pain from angina.
Known brand names include Norvasc, Katerzia, and Norliqva.
A calcium channel blocker taken once a day. It widens arteries to lower blood pressure and to prevent chest pain from angina.
First-line. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are one of the first-line drug classes for primary hypertension.
Labeled use. Documented CAD without heart failure, to reduce angina hospitalization and revascularization.
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A first-line option for primary hypertension and a good fit with coexisting angina. Unlike diltiazem or verapamil, it barely slows heart rate or conduction, so it is usable alongside a beta blocker. It is not a heart failure drug, and dose-related ankle edema is the usual reason patients stop.
A dihydropyridine that blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle more than into heart muscle. Arteries dilate and peripheral resistance falls. Onset is gradual, and heart rate changes little with chronic dosing.
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The label does not describe a narrow therapeutic index or direct dosing by measured blood levels of the drug.
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Doses come from the FDA label. Study tool, not for clinical decisions.
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None. Renal impairment does not meaningfully change amlodipine levels, so the usual starting dose applies.
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No specific antidote. Overdose causes marked vasodilation, hypotension, and possibly reflex tachycardia. Treat with cardiac monitoring, leg elevation, fluids, and vasopressors such as phenylephrine if needed. Hemodialysis is unlikely to help because the drug is highly protein bound.
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Human data are too limited to define a risk of birth defects or miscarriage. Poorly controlled hypertension itself carries risks for mother and fetus.
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Present in human milk at a median relative infant dose of about 4.2%. No infant adverse effects have been seen.
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Effective for hypertension at 2.5 to 5 mg once daily in ages 6 to 17. Doses above 5 mg have not been studied, and the effect under age 6 is unknown.