If you’re making a health post, “avoid” doesn’t mean that everyone taking amlodipine must completely eliminate these things. Some can increase side effects or interact with the medicine, while others simply require caution.
12 things to be careful with while taking amlodipine
- Grapefruit/grapefruit juice — unlike some other calcium-channel blockers, grapefruit isn’t generally prohibited with amlodipine, but large amounts may potentially affect drug levels. Ask your pharmacist if you consume it regularly.
- Excessive alcohol — can add to amlodipine’s blood-pressure-lowering effect and increase dizziness or faintness.
- Other blood-pressure-lowering medicines — combinations may lower blood pressure too much, although doctors sometimes intentionally prescribe them together.
- Medicines that cause dizziness or drowsiness — combining several such medicines can make falls more likely.
- NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen — these can affect blood pressure and kidney function in some people.
- Certain medicines that affect liver enzymes — some drugs can increase or decrease amlodipine levels, so tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- St John’s wort — may interact with medicines by changing how they’re metabolized.
- Potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes — these aren’t automatically forbidden with amlodipine, but discuss them with your clinician if you’re taking other medicines that affect potassium or have kidney problems.
- Sudden changes in your medication — don’t stop amlodipine abruptly without medical advice.
- Driving immediately after starting or increasing the dose if you’re dizzy — wait until you know how the medicine affects you.
- Ignoring significant ankle/leg swelling — swollen ankles are a relatively common amlodipine side effect; persistent or troublesome swelling should be discussed with your clinician.
- Taking extra doses for a high blood-pressure reading — take amlodipine exactly as prescribed. It isn’t intended as an occasional “rescue” medication.
One important clarification
Amlodipine is generally well tolerated. Ankle swelling, flushing, headache, dizziness, and palpitations are among the recognized side effects. (nhs.uk)
If you develop severe dizziness/fainting, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe chest pain, seek urgent medical attention.
Most importantly, don’t stop or change prescribed amlodipine because of an online list. Have your doctor or pharmacist check your complete medication and supplement list for interactions.
