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Amlodipine tablets photographed on a matte clinical surface
DoseRoutine Amlodipine — Amlodipine tablets photographed on a matte clinical surface. Original DoseRoutine photography.
medicationPrescription only (US)

AmlodipineBenefits, Dosage & Interactions

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker prescribed for high blood pressure and for chronic stable or vasospastic angina. It blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, relaxing arteries so the heart pumps against less resistance. It is typically taken in the morning.

How much Amlodipine do people take?

The cited randomized trial titrated amlodipine from 2.5 mg to 10 mg once daily against lisinopril and chlorthalidone arms. Route reported: Oral. Frequency reported: Once daily in the cited trial. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Amlodipine — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.

See the full reported protocol and its sources

Researched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.

Evidence: Moderate — One published human randomized trial; results not yet replicated.
Evidence strengthModerate · 3/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence

One published human randomized trial; results not yet replicated.

Chemical structure of Amlodipine (PubChem CID 2162)
Structure via PubChem

Quick answer

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker prescribed for high blood pressure and for chronic stable or vasospastic angina. It blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, relaxing arteries so the heart pumps against less resistance. Its very long half-life means one daily dose covers 24 hours, and full blood-pressure effect takes about one to two weeks to settle.

Brand name
Norvasc
Drug class
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
Prescribed for
Hypertension; chronic stable and vasospastic angina
Dosing rhythm
Once daily, with or without food
Half-life
Roughly 30–50 hours — full effect in 1–2 weeks
Signature side effect
Dose-related ankle and lower-leg swelling (oedema)

Compiled by DoseRoutine from public sources including NIH/MedlinePlus, the FDA label, Mayo Clinic and PubChem. Educational information, not medical advice.

Plasma half-life
~40 h
Typical timing
in the morning
Default unit
mg

What published protocols report

Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.

Reported amounts
The cited randomized trial titrated amlodipine from 2.5 mg to 10 mg once daily against lisinopril and chlorthalidone arms[1]
Route studied
Oral[1]
Frequency
Once daily in the cited trial[1]
Cycle length
Mean follow-up of 4.9 years in the cited trial[1]
Half-life
Roughly 30-50 hours[1]
Storage
Room temperature, sealed[1]

Reported for Amlodipine in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.

References & evidence

Documents the Amlodipine entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.

  1. [1]Major outcomes in high-risk hypertensive patients randomized to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or calcium channel blocker vs diuretic: The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT)ALLHAT Officers and Coordinators for the ALLHAT Collaborative Research Group · JAMA · 2002 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 12479763

References & Evidence

Sources on this page that document Amlodipine dosing, timing and safety.

  1. [1]U.S. National Library of Medicine View source
  2. [2]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source

Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.

What is Amlodipine?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.

Amlodipine is a medication belonging to the class of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. It is primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and various forms of angina (chest pain). Amlodipine works by relaxing blood vessels, thereby reducing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow. It is available as an oral tablet, often prescribed for once-daily dosing. As a prescription medication, its use must be directed and supervised by a licensed healthcare professional. (DrugBank, MedlinePlus)

What does the research say about Amlodipine?

Tap a section to expand.

Amlodipine exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the influx of extracellular calcium ions across the membranes of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells. This action is preferential for vascular smooth muscle. By reducing intracellular calcium concentrations, amlodipine causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), particularly in peripheral arterioles and coronary arteries. In the context of hypertension, this peripheral arteriolar vasodilation decreases peripheral vascular resistance, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. For angina, amlodipine's actions include coronary vasodilation, which improves oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, and a reduction in afterload (the resistance the heart must pump against), which reduces myocardial oxygen demand. Its slow binding and dissociation from calcium channels contribute to its prolonged duration of action. (DrugBank, FDA label)

Source for this section: Sources for How does Amlodipine work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.

The primary benefits of amlodipine are related to its ability to manage cardiovascular conditions: * **Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):** Amlodipine effectively lowers blood pressure, which helps to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems. (Mayo Clinic) * **Chronic Stable Angina:** By improving blood flow to the heart and reducing myocardial oxygen demand, amlodipine can decrease the frequency and severity of chest pain episodes associated with stable angina. (MedlinePlus) * **Vasospastic Angina (Prinzmetal's or Variant Angina):** Amlodipine is effective in preventing coronary artery spasms, which are the cause of vasospastic angina. (FDA label)

Clinical studies have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of amlodipine in treating hypertension and angina. Large-scale trials, such as the ALLHAT (Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial) study, have shown amlodipine to be effective in reducing cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. Its long duration of action supports once-daily dosing, contributing to patient adherence. For angina, evidence supports its role in reducing symptomatic episodes and improving exercise tolerance. (Cochrane, NIH ODS) Ongoing post-market surveillance and observational studies continue to confirm its safety and effectiveness profile in a broad patient population. (FDA label)

Common side effects associated with amlodipine often include: * Edema (swelling), particularly in the ankles and feet * Headache * Fatigue * Nausea * Dizziness * Flushing * Palpitations Less common, but more serious side effects can include hypotension (low blood pressure), increased angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack) at the start of treatment, and liver enzyme elevations. Patients should report any persistent or worsening side effects to their clinician. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.

Source for this section: Sources for What are the side effects of Amlodipine?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.

Amlodipine should be used with caution in certain patient populations: * **Hypotension:** Due to its vasodilatory effects, amlodipine can cause symptomatic hypotension, especially at the initiation of treatment or during dose escalation. Blood pressure should be monitored. * **Patients with Hepatic Impairment:** Amlodipine is extensively metabolized by the liver. Patients with impaired liver function may have reduced clearance of amlodipine, leading to increased exposure and requiring careful dose titration and monitoring. * **Patients with Heart Failure:** Although amlodipine has generally been used safely in patients with compensated heart failure, it should be used with caution in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease where an increase in angina or acute myocardial infarction could occur. In general, calcium channel blockers are not recommended for those with uncompensated heart failure. (FDA label, MedlinePlus) * **Elderly Patients:** Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of amlodipine and may experience higher plasma concentrations due to reduced clearance. Lower starting doses and careful monitoring are often advised. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.

Source for this section: Sources for Who should avoid Amlodipine?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.

Amlodipine is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to amlodipine or any other dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It should also generally be avoided in cases of severe aortic stenosis, cardiogenic shock, and unstable angina not yet controlled by other treatments due to the risk of exacerbating these conditions. (EMA SmPC, DrugBank) This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.

Source for this section: Sources for When should Amlodipine not be taken?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.

Concurrent use of amlodipine with certain medications can alter its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects: * **CYP3A4 Inhibitors:** Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, diltiazem, grapefruit juice) can increase amlodipine exposure, potentially leading to increased blood pressure lowering or edema. Dose adjustment may be necessary. * **CYP3A4 Inducers:** Co-administration with CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, St. John's Wort) may decrease amlodipine plasma concentrations, potentially reducing its efficacy. * **Simvastatin:** Amlodipine can increase the systemic exposure of simvastatin. The dose of simvastatin should typically be limited to 20 mg daily in patients receiving amlodipine. * **Other Antihypertensives:** Concomitant use with other antihypertensive agents (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) can lead to additive blood pressure lowering effects. While often beneficial for blood pressure control, careful monitoring is required to avoid excessive hypotension. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.

Source for this section: Sources for What should you not mix with Amlodipine?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.

Amlodipine is typically administered once daily. Due to its long half-life, consistent plasma concentrations are maintained over a 24-hour period. It can be taken with or without food. Many individuals find taking it in the morning is convenient and helps establish a routine. However, the specific time of day may be adjusted based on individual response and clinician advice. Dose is user-directed and must be set by a licensed clinician.

Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Amlodipine?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.

Amlodipine in the UK and Europe

Prescription-only medicine in the UK and across the EU.

United Kingdom

Amlodipine is a POM in the UK, supplied as amlodipine besilate or maleate tablets. NICE guideline NG136 on hypertension places a calcium channel blocker such as amlodipine as a usual first step for people aged over 55, and for people of Black African or African-Caribbean family origin of any age. The emc label and the BNF carry the UK ankle oedema and hepatic impairment wording.

European Union

Amlodipine is authorised nationally across the EU and is prescription-only. Salt forms and pack sizes differ by country, so the national label is the one that applies.

UK brand and product names

Istin, Amlostin, generic amlodipine besilate.

People also ask about Amlodipine in the UK

What is the drug amlodipine for?
Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure and to prevent angina. It is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, taken once a day.
What is the mechanism of action of amlodipine?
It blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, so less calcium enters the cell and the arteries relax. Widening the arteries lowers peripheral resistance and therefore blood pressure, and reduces the heart's oxygen demand in angina. Its long half-life is why one daily dose covers 24 hours.
Why does amlodipine cause swollen ankles?
Because it dilates arterioles more than veins, pressure in the capillaries rises and fluid moves into the tissue. UK labels list peripheral oedema as a common effect, and it is a frequent reason prescribers review the drug.

UK and EU sources for this section

Regulatory status and labeling are country-specific and change over time. Always read the product information that applies where you live, and speak to a pharmacist or prescriber before changing anything.

Amlodipine around the world

How Amlodipine is classified, named and regulated in the United States, Canada and Australia, with the official record for each.

United States

Prescription-only. Approved for high blood pressure and for coronary artery disease including chronic stable angina, alone or in fixed-dose combinations with other blood pressure medicines.

Names on the shelf: Norvasc, Katerzia, Norliqva, generic amlodipine besylate.

Canada

Prescription-only, listed in the Drug Product Database. Widely used as a first-line option for hypertension and available in many generic versions and combination products.

Names on the shelf: Norvasc, generic amlodipine.

Australia

A Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine on the ARTG, subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with several generic brands and combination tablets.

Names on the shelf: Norvasc, Amlo, Perindo Amlo, generic amlodipine.

People also ask about Amlodipine outside the UK

Is amlodipine the same everywhere?
The active ingredient is, though the salt form on the label can differ (amlodipine besylate, maleate or mesilate) and each country approves its own strengths and combinations.
Does amlodipine need a prescription in Canada or Australia?
Yes, in both. There is no non-prescription form of amlodipine in any of these markets.

Official sources for this section

Regulatory status, brand names and label wording are country-specific and change over time. Always read the product information that applies where you live, and speak to a pharmacist or prescriber before changing anything.

Put it into practice

Reading about Amlodipine is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.

What interacts with Amlodipine?

Documented interactions for Amlodipine: the other compound, the severity and confidence of the interaction, what happens, and what to do.
Interacts withSeverityTypeWhat happensWhat to do
Any supplement + medicationNoteCategory ruleConfidence: theoreticalSome supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.
Any vitamin + medicationNoteCategory ruleConfidence: theoreticalCertain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.
AmantadineCautionCompound pairConfidence: theoreticalAmantadine plus a calcium-channel blocker can additively lower blood pressure and cause dizziness or ankle swelling.Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.Monitor BP at home. Rise slowly. Tell your clinician if you feel lightheaded.
SildenafilCautionCompound pairConfidence: theoreticalPDE5 inhibitors add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of antihypertensives.Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.Start PDE5 at the lowest effective dose and monitor for hypotension.
TadalafilCautionCompound pairConfidence: theoreticalPDE5 inhibitors add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of antihypertensives.Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.Start PDE5 at the lowest effective dose and monitor for hypotension.
VardenafilCautionCompound pairConfidence: theoreticalPDE5 inhibitors add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of antihypertensives.Source for this interaction: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.Start PDE5 at the lowest effective dose and monitor for hypotension.

Frequently asked questions about Amlodipine

If you miss a dose of amlodipine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Consult your clinician for specific guidance.

Amlodipine generally starts to lower blood pressure within a few hours of the first dose. However, its full blood pressure-lowering effect may take several days to weeks of consistent dosing to manifest, due to its gradual onset of action and long half-life.

No, you should not stop taking amlodipine without consulting your clinician, even if your symptoms improve or blood pressure normalizes. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to a rebound increase in blood pressure or a worsening of angina. Your clinician will guide you on how to safely adjust or discontinue your medication if needed.

Interaction risk for Amlodipine comes from the rest of the stack: other medications, prescription medicines, hormone therapy and peptides. Because Amlodipine is usually taken in the morning, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. With a reported plasma half-life near 40 hours, separating doses can change the picture as much as removing one. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Amlodipine with no sign-up.

There is no single answer for Amlodipine plus TRT. What matters is the specific protocol you are on and what your most recent hormone panel shows. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions

Pairing Amlodipine with peptides has to be assessed one peptide at a time, because GLP-1 agonists, secretagogues, healing peptides and melanocortins do not share an interaction profile. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.

A long plasma half-life of about 40 hours means Amlodipine is commonly dosed every few days or weekly rather than daily. It is typically taken in the morning. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps

For Amlodipine the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.

Amlodipine dilates arterioles more than veins, which raises pressure in the capillary beds of the lower legs and pushes fluid into the tissue. The swelling is dose-related, more common in women, and is not a sign of heart or kidney failure by itself — but it should still be reported, since prescribers often manage it by adjusting the regimen. This is educational information, not medical advice.

Amlodipine's half-life of 30–50 hours means blood levels stay steady around the clock, so timing matters far less than consistency. Large trials comparing morning and evening dosing of antihypertensives have not shown a decisive winner; the practical advice is to pick one time and keep it. This is educational information, not medical advice.

Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4, the enzyme that clears amlodipine, so it can raise blood levels and increase dizziness and swelling. The interaction is milder than with some other calcium channel blockers such as felodipine, but labeling still advises caution. This is educational information, not medical advice.

Amlodipine does not cause the sharp rebound seen with abruptly stopped beta blockers, but blood pressure will drift back up over days as the drug clears, and angina can return. Stopping should be a clinician's decision. This is educational information, not medical advice.

The cited randomized trial titrated amlodipine from 2.5 mg to 10 mg once daily against lisinopril and chlorthalidone arms. Route reported: Oral. Frequency reported: Once daily in the cited trial. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Amlodipine — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.

Which studies looked at Amlodipine?

Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.

  1. 1.Nifedipine or amlodipine? The choice for hypertension during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis(opens PubMed in a new tab)Arch Gynecol Obstet · 2022 · PMID 35305140 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35305140/
  2. 2.Olmesartan medoxomil/amlodipine(opens PubMed in a new tab)Drugs · 2009 · PMID 19405551 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19405551/
  3. 3.Amlodipine/Valsartan: fixed-dose combination in hypertension(opens PubMed in a new tab)Drugs · 2008 · PMID 18257612 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18257612/
  4. 4.Telmisartan/amlodipine: single-pill combination in hypertension(opens PubMed in a new tab)Am J Cardiovasc Drugs · 2010 · PMID 21090832 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21090832/

Sources cited on this page

Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.

  1. MedlinePlus(opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a692044.html
  2. PubChem CID 60496(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/60496

Verify at

Publisher search links for Amlodipine. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.

DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.

What is the short answer on Amlodipine?

Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker prescribed for high blood pressure and for chronic stable or vasospastic angina. It blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, relaxing arteries so the heart pumps against less resistance. It is typically taken in the morning.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/amlodipine

Amlodipine cheat sheet

DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Medication

Amlodipine

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker prescribed for high blood pressure and for chronic stable or vasospastic angina. It blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, relaxing arteries so the heart pumps against less resistance.

Evidence

Moderate

One published human randomized trial; results not yet replicated.

Studied range

The cited randomized trial titrated amlodipine from 2.5 mg to 10 mg once daily against lisinopril and chlorthalidone arms

Route

Oral

Frequency studied

Once daily in the cited trial

Half-life

~40 h

Timing

in the morning

Storage

Room temperature, sealed

Prescription only (US)

Key references

  1. Major outcomes in high-risk hypertensive patients randomized to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or calcium channel blocker vs diuretic: The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) (2002)

Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/amlodipine

Cite this page

Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:

DoseRoutine. (2026). Amlodipine — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/amlodipine
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