Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker medication that is taken orally. Its main uses include hypertension, chronic stable chest pain (angina) and a condition called Prinzmetals angina. Its main effects include blood vessel dilation, and its long half life allows once-daily dosing. However, like all medical interventions, it has its own unique side effect profile that must be considered by the patient before beginning therapy.
Adverse Effects in Children
Children on amlodipine therapy report varying side effects than adult patients. These included abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, minor increase in heart rate and swelling. In a study by the "Journal of Pediatrics", 6 patients out of 268 were withdrawn due to drug-related adverse effects.
Common Side Effects
Most of the side effects are related in some way to the drug's dilatory properties on blood vessels. The most commonly reported effects are headache and edema (swelling), followed by flushing, palpitations and dizziness, all of which are dose related. The onset of effect is gradual, which can decrease the risk of low blood pressure; however, the physician must be cautious especially in patients at higher risk for low blood pressure. Ironically, amlodipine is used to treat angina (chest pain) but in many patients, the pain is reported to worsen. Hyperplasia (growth) of the tissues in the gum and esophageal reflux have also been reported by amlodipine users.
Rare Side Effects
Liver toxicity as evidenced by jaundice and elevated liver enzymes has been reported, occasionally serious enough to warrant hospital admission. In these scenarios, drug discontinuation with medical consultation is strongly recommended. Anaphylactic side effects can occur with any drug, and amlodipine is no exception. They are rare, but symptoms include angioedema (swelling) and wheezing. Decreases in the amount of white blood cells and platelets was also noted, albeit quite infrequently. Other adverse effects that are rare and could not be distinguished from underlying disease symptoms included dizziness, decreased blood flow to extremities, chest pain, decreased heart rate and tremor.
References
- Norvasc (amlodipine) package insert. New York, NY: Pfizer Labs; 2005 Mar.
- Journal of Pediatrics. "A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of amlodipine in children with hypertension." Flynn JT, Newburger JW, Daniels SR. 004;145:353-9
- "Conn's Current Therapy 2009, 1st Edition;" Rakel & Bope; 2008
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