Amlodipine is a long-acting calcium channel blocker primarily used for the treatment of hypertension and coronary artery disease. As a commonly prescribed cardiovascular medication, the correct administration and close monitoring of amlodipine are crucial for ensuring its therapeutic efficacy and patient safety.
Precautions for Amlodipine Administration
Strictly Follow Doctor's Instructions
Amlodipine must be used under the guidance of a physician with experience in treating the relevant diseases.
Patients must not adjust the dosage or modify the medication regimen without authorization.
Correct Administration Method
Amlodipine orally disintegrating tablets should be placed on the tongue, allowed to disintegrate in saliva, and then swallowed directly. Water may be used to assist swallowing if necessary.
The tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or split. Their intact disintegration property must be maintained to ensure the normal release and absorption of the drug in the body.
Flexible Administration Time
Amlodipine can be administered once daily, either in the morning or evening.
The medication can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, providing patients with a convenient option for medication adherence.
Maintaining a consistent administration time helps keep the blood drug concentration stable.
Risk of Exacerbated Angina Pectoris
In rare cases, especially in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease, a documented increase in the frequency, duration, and/or severity of angina attacks may occur when initiating calcium channel blocker therapy or increasing the dosage.
Hemodynamic Effects
The vasodilatory effect of amlodipine is gradual, and acute hypotension is rarely reported after oral administration.
However, extra caution is still required when using amlodipine in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis.
Management of Drug Interactions
When amlodipine is used concomitantly with cimetidine or the antacid Maalox, there is no impact on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine.
When co-administered with sildenafil, both drugs exert their antihypertensive effects independently, with no significant drug interactions observed.
Monitoring During Amlodipine Administration
Blood Pressure Monitoring Standards
Supine and standing blood pressure should be monitored regularly during treatment.
Clinical studies have shown that once-daily administration of amlodipine maintains antihypertensive efficacy for 24 hours after dosing, with minimal differences between peak and trough effects.
Hematological Parameter Monitoring
Although amlodipine treatment is generally not associated with clinically significant changes in routine laboratory tests, regular complete blood count (CBC) testing is still recommended, particularly in the early stages of treatment.
Liver Function Monitoring
Liver function should be evaluated before initiating treatment, and liver function indicators should be monitored regularly during treatment based on clinical needs—especially in patients with a history of liver disease or abnormal liver function.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Monitoring
Amlodipine does not alter sinus node function or atrioventricular (AV) conduction. No changes in ECG intervals or higher-degree AV block have been observed in clinical studies.
