Overview Of Amlodipine

Common Medication Alternatives

Many doctors often prescribe amlodipine because patients are able to take one dose a day rather than multiple doses. However, patients may need to take a different drug. Common medication alternatives to amlodipine start with other calcium channel blockers. This includes nifedipine and nicardipine. Of course, some individuals cannot take calcium channel blockers.

Thankfully, many medications help lower blood pressure and manage chest pain, two of amlodipine's major functions. Patients can try angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril. Two other medication types that act as alternatives to amlodipine are angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers. Examples of these are candesartan and bisoprolol, respectively. Certain patients may take diuretics as an alternative to amlodipine as well.

Read about advice for taking amlodipine next.

Advice For Taking It

All patients must listen to their doctor regarding when to take amlodipine. This also applies to their dose. Overall, patients need to follow their doctor's directions and read the bottle's label carefully. They can also talk to their pharmacist if necessary. Of course, there is some good general advice for taking it. Patients should take amlodipine at the same time each day. This helps with the medication's effectiveness as well as reducing the chances of patients forgetting a dose.

Patients are able to take amlodipine both with or without food. They should speak to their doctor about which is the best for their needs. However, most patients need to drink a glass of water with each dose. They must avoid grapefruit juice as well as the fruit itself. This is because studies show that grapefruit often increases the concentration of this drug in the body. The patient's risk of side effects increases as a result. The side effects are also worse when they do occur. Finally, some individuals will take this medication as a liquid. They must use the supplied syringe or spoon when measuring their dose. A regular teaspoon is not appropriate. They should not mix the liquid with anything else before taking it.