Drug Detail:Amlodipine (Amlodipine [ am-loe-di-peen ])
Generic Name: Amlodipine Suspension [ am-LOE-di-peen ]
Drug Class: Calcium channel blocking agents
Uses of Amlodipine Suspension:
- It is used to treat high blood pressure.
- It is used to treat some types of chest pain (angina).
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Amlodipine Suspension?
- If you have an allergy to amlodipine or any other part of amlodipine suspension.
- If you are allergic to amlodipine suspension; any part of amlodipine suspension; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take amlodipine suspension with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Amlodipine Suspension?
For all uses of amlodipine suspension:
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take amlodipine suspension. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how amlodipine suspension affects you.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
- Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
- It is rare, but worse chest pain and heart attack can happen after amlodipine suspension is first started or after the dose is raised. The risk may be greater in people who have very bad heart blood vessel disease. Talk with the doctor.
- If you are taking amlodipine suspension and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
- Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
- Liver problems have happened with amlodipine suspension. Sometimes, liver problems have needed to be treated in the hospital. Talk with the doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use amlodipine suspension with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
For chest pain:
- Do not use amlodipine suspension to treat sudden chest pain. It will not help. Talk with your doctor.
How is this medicine (Amlodipine Suspension) best taken?
Use amlodipine suspension as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take amlodipine suspension at the same time of day.
- Take with or without food.
- Shake well before use.
- Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with amlodipine suspension. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure amlodipine suspension.
- Keep taking amlodipine suspension as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it has been 12 hours or more since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Chest pain that is new or worse.
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
- Swelling.
- Stiff muscles, shakiness, or muscle movements that are not normal.
What are some other side effects of Amlodipine Suspension?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
- Flushing.
- Upset stomach.
- Stomach pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Amlodipine Suspension?
- Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- Protect from heat and light.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about amlodipine suspension, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
- How do I reduce swelling from amlodipine?
- How long does it take for amlodipine to work?
- What medications cause swollen ankles and feet?
- Best time to take amlodipine - day or night?
- How long does amlodipine stay in your system?
- Does amlodipine cause weight gain?
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