There are nine types of high blood pressure medications available to patients today. One type is calcium channel blockers (CCB). This kind of medicine keeps calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. Basically, your heart doesn’t have to pump as hard when taking a CCB, and as a result, high blood pressure goes down.
Those prescribed amlodipine, which is an example of a CCB, need to remember a few key facts. Never take more or less than your doctor prescribes of the medication. Also, take the medicine at the same time each day, but if you do forget a dose, don’t take two tablets at once. In addition, drinking alcohol while on amlodipine should be limited, as doing so may increase negative side effects, and store the medication away from temperature extremes. (Keep amlodipine away from children and pets, and never share a prescription with another person).
A final tip from Medi-Span, Inc. is the following: “it is important to brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums.â€
As with any high blood pressure medication, you probably will have to take amlodipine for life. Even if you feel well, don’t stop taking the pills, as your blood pressure will most certainly rise again. A key thing to remember – many times those with high blood pressure don’t even realize that they have it; just because you feel great, does not mean your high blood pressure problem has resolved itself. In fact, many doctors begin patients on a low dose of amlodipine with the intentions of increasing the dosage as time goes on.
Common side effects of amlodipine include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, flushing, muscle cramps, nausea, stomach pain, headaches, and weakness. Additional information supplied by Medi-Span, Inc. states that patients who have just been prescribed amlodipine may feel tired or run down the first few weeks. Also, to prevent fainting or falling, care should be taken to stand up slowly when on this medication.
Severe side effects may include swelling of the feet or legs, fainting, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dark urine, severe headache, bleeding gums, and yellowing of the eyes and skin to name a few. Check with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
According to PubMed, before taking amlodipine,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist (or Pharmacy Technician) what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine, call your doctor.
High blood pressure is a serious disease that is treated with 9 types of medications. CCB’s are one type of medication prescribed to lower blood pressure. Only a doctor can determine which type of blood pressure medication is right for you, so talk to your physician if you think you may have this illness.
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