Amlodipine: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of angina, including chronic stable and vasospastic angina. It helps blood vessels relax, which can improve blood flow and reduce the heart's workload. It is used to help prevent symptoms of angina, but it is not a cure for heart disease.
Amlodipine is usually taken once daily to help control blood pressure or prevent angina symptoms. Take it exactly as prescribed and ask your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C08CA01
- Generic
- Amlodipine
- Class
- calcium-channel-blocker
- Brands
- Norvasc
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 35
- Onset (min)
- 240
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- blood-pressure, heart-rate
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed and benefits justify risks
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug
avoid breastfeeding while taking amlodipine due to excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for signs of hypotension
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsstart at lower end of dose range
initiate therapy at 2.5 mg daily and titrate cautiously
monitor blood pressure and for signs of edema
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 17 yearsuse lower pediatric dosing
starting dose 2.5 mg once daily for children 6-17 years
monitor blood pressure and growth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
start at lower dose and monitor closely
frequent monitoring of renal function and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose
consider dose reduction in mild to moderate hepatic impairment
monitor blood pressure closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction required
use lowest effective dose with extreme caution in severe hepatic impairment
close monitoring of blood pressure and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Amlodipine
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Common therapeutic uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Amlodipine
Commonly prescribed since
Period of widespread clinical adoption
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy