Mylod%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520at

# Mylot%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520at (Amlodipine) ## Overview Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload on the heart. ## Primary Indications * Hypertension * Coronary artery disease (chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina) ## Adult Dosing * **Hypertension:** * Initial dose: 5 mg orally once daily. * Usual maintenance dose: 5 mg to 10 mg orally once daily. * Maximum dose: 10 mg orally once daily. * **Coronary Artery Disease:** * Initial dose: 5 mg orally once daily. * Usual maintenance dose: 5 mg to 10 mg orally once daily. * Maximum dose: 10 mg orally once daily. ## Pediatric Dosing * **Hypertension (6 to 17 years):** * Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once daily. * Maximum dose: 5 mg orally once daily. * Dosing for children younger than 6 years is not established. ## Dose Adjustments * **Hepatic Impairment:** Use with caution. Start with a lower dose (e.g., 2.5 mg once daily) and titrate slowly. ## Contraindications * Known hypersensitivity to amlodipine or other dihydropyridines. * Severe hypotension. * Cardiogenic shock. ## Adverse Effects * **Common:** Peripheral edema (especially ankles), headache, flushing, dizziness, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea. * **Serious:** Hypotension, syncope, worsening angina or acute myocardial infarction (particularly with initiation or dose increase), severe rash, angioedema. ## Key Drug Interactions * **CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, grapefruit juice):** May increase amlodipine levels, potentially leading to increased adverse effects. Monitor blood pressure and consider dose reduction. * **CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin):** May decrease amlodipine levels. Monitor blood pressure and consider dose increase. * **Other Antihypertensives (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics):** Additive hypotensive effect. Monitor blood pressure closely. ## Monitoring * Blood pressure * Heart rate * Signs and symptoms of edema * Signs of worsening angina or ischemia ## Clinical Pearls * Amlodipine has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing. * Peripheral edema is dose-dependent and more common in women. It can be managed with dose reduction, diuretics, or time. * Do not abruptly discontinue amlodipine. * For pediatric patients, the dosage should be adjusted based on individual response and tolerability. *** **Disclaimer:** This information is intended for educational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult the current prescribing information and your healthcare provider for specific patient care decisions.