Amlodipine is a long-acting calcium channel blocker, mainly used for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris.
How to Use Amlodipine
Correct Administration Method
Amlodipine orally disintegrating tablets should be placed on the tongue, allowed to disintegrate in the mouth, and then swallowed with saliva; drinking water may be used if necessary.
This medication can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, once a day, at a fixed time such as with breakfast, dinner, or before bedtime.
Unlike conventional tablets, the bioavailability of amlodipine orally disintegrating tablets is not affected by grapefruit juice. However, concurrent consumption of grapefruit juice is still recommended to be avoided to maintain consistency in medication use.
Principles for Managing Missed Doses
If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours before the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as originally planned.
Under no circumstances should a double dose be taken on the same day.
Dosage Adjustment of Amlodipine
Basic Dosage Regimen for Adults
For patients with hypertension, the recommended initial dose is 5 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 10 mg once daily.
For patients with chronic stable angina or vasospastic angina, the recommended dose is 5-10 mg once daily. Elderly patients and patients with hepatic impairment are advised to start with a lower dose.
Individualized Dosage Adjustment
The dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's specific conditions. A titration period of 7-14 days is usually required to allow doctors to fully evaluate the patient's response to each dosage level.
If clinically necessary, titration can be accelerated, but frequent assessment of the patient's condition is required.
Dosage Adjustment for Special Cases
For small, frail, or elderly patients, as well as patients with hepatic impairment, the recommended initial dose is 2.5 mg once daily.
When adding amlodipine orally disintegrating tablets to other antihypertensive treatment regimens, the dosage should also start at 2.5 mg.
Medication Use in Special Populations for Amlodipine
Pediatric Patients
The effective oral antihypertensive dose for pediatric patients aged 6-17 years with hypertension is 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily.
Daily doses exceeding 5 mg have not been studied in pediatric patients.
Studies conducted in hypertensive patients aged 6-17 years have shown that weight-adjusted clearance and volume of distribution are similar to those in adults.
Pregnant and Lactating Women
The use of amlodipine during pregnancy is classified as Category C. It should only be used if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.
It is not known whether amlodipine is excreted in human milk. It is recommended to discontinue breastfeeding while taking amlodipine.
