Cardiology · Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (long-acting)
Amlodipine
Dose
5–10 mg PO OD.
Mechanism
Vascular smooth-muscle L-type Ca block → arterial vasodilation.
Indications
- • Hypertension
- • Stable angina
- • Prinzmetal angina
Contraindications
- • Severe aortic stenosis
- • Cardiogenic shock
- • Unstable angina (mono-therapy)
Dose adjustment
Hepatic impairment: start 2.5 mg
Use
First-line HTN and stable angina.
Monitoring
BP, ankle oedema, LFTs.
Side effects
- • Ankle oedema (dose-related)
- • Flushing
- • Headache
- • Palpitations
- • Gum hyperplasia
Pregnancy safety
Consider nifedipine MR (more data) — amlodipine used if essential.
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
