Amlodipine Side Effects

Calcium channel blockers are a class of drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure. These drugs work by blocking the entry of calcium into cells in the heart and blood vessels. In response, blood vessels dilate and relax, resulting in a lower blood pressure. Amlodipine is an example of this class of drug. Although amlodipine is considered safe in general, side effects can occur.

Types

The most common side effects experienced by patients taking amlodipine are leg swelling, headache, dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, flushing, abdominal pain, nausea and sleepiness.

Function

All kinds of blood pressure medicines, including amlodipine, lower blood pressure. Amlodipine does so by dilating blood vessels, which can lead to leg swelling, or edema, as well as flushing. These common amlodipine side effects occur more frequently in women and with higher doses of amlodipine.

Considerations

Although serious side effects are rare, some can be life-threatening. Symptoms of these more serious side effects include difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of the mouth or tongue, which can indicate an allergic reaction to the drug. Liver damage, another potentially life-threatening side effect, is suggested by a yellowish hue of the skin or eyes. Cardiac complications may underlie symptoms of a fast or irregular heart rate or worsening chest pain. Bleeding or sore gums may indicate a clotting disorder associated with amlodipine. Patients who experience these side effects should seek medical help immediately.

Treatment

Most amlodipine side effects are mild to moderate and often resolve over time or with a decreased dose of the drug. Amlodipine-induced leg swelling often is treated by the addition of a different class of blood pressure medication. Patients who experience serious side effects of amlodipine may need to stop taking the drug.

Signficance

As of 2010, more than 11,000 people had been studied in clinical trials evaluating the safety of amlodipine. Only about 1.5 percent of patients had to stop taking the drug because of side effects.