Amlodipine is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, widely used in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris.
Dosage and Administration of Amlodipine - Recommended Doses
Dosage for Hypertension Treatment
The usual initial oral dose for adult patients with hypertension is 5 mg once daily.
A starting dose of 2.5 mg may also be used when amlodipine orally disintegrating tablets are added to other antihypertensive treatment regimens.
Dosage for Angina Pectoris Treatment
The recommended dose for chronic stable angina or vasospastic angina is 5 to 10 mg once daily.
A lower dose is recommended for elderly patients and patients with hepatic insufficiency.
Most patients require a dose of 10 mg to achieve adequate therapeutic effect.
Dosage for Pediatric Patients
The effective antihypertensive oral dose for pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years with hypertension is 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily.
The safety of daily doses exceeding 5 mg has not been studied in pediatric patients.
Administration Instructions
Amlodipine orally disintegrating tablets have a special administration method: place the tablet on the tongue, allow it to disintegrate, and then swallow it with saliva; water may be taken to facilitate swallowing if necessary.
This administration method improves medication convenience, making it particularly suitable for patients with dysphagia.
Dosage Adjustment of Amlodipine
Adjustment Based on Therapeutic Efficacy
Dosage adjustment should be individualized according to the specific needs of each patient.
The magnitude of blood pressure reduction with amlodipine is correlated with the degree of baseline blood pressure elevation.
Patients with moderate hypertension have a response approximately 50% greater than that of patients with mild hypertension.
Adjustment for Combination Therapy
When used in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, consideration should be given to initiating treatment at a lower dose.
Close monitoring of blood pressure changes is required, especially when combined with diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers and other medications.
Usage in Special Populations of Amlodipine
Patients with Hepatic Insufficiency
Elderly patients and patients with hepatic insufficiency have reduced clearance of amlodipine, resulting in an approximately 40% to 60% increase in area under the concentration-time curve (AUC).
Therefore, a lower initial dose may be required.
Usage in Elderly Patients
Elderly individuals have reduced clearance of amlodipine, leading to a 40% to 60% increase in AUC.
It is generally recommended to initiate treatment at the lower end of the dosage range.
Pregnant and Lactating Women
During pregnancy, amlodipine should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Lactating women should discontinue breastfeeding or choose an alternative medication, as it is unknown whether amlodipine is excreted in human milk.
