Amlodipine

High blood pressure is one of the most common long-term conditions in the United Kingdom and significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease if left untreated. Amlodipine tablets are a prescription medicine used to treat hypertension and to manage angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart). Amlodipine belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers and is one of the most widely prescribed antihypertensive medicines in the UK. It is taken once daily and is suitable for long-term use in adults. A prescription can only be issued following a clinical consultation with a registered prescriber.

Amlodipine tablets are an oral prescription medicine containing amlodipine besilate as the active ingredient. Amlodipine belongs to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers. It is licensed in the United Kingdom for two indications: the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and the management of stable angina pectoris and vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal's angina).

Amlodipine is available as a generic medicine from multiple manufacturers in the UK. It is available in two strengths: 5mg and 10mg tablets. Both strengths are taken once daily. Amlodipine is included on the NHS list of medicines commonly prescribed for long-term cardiovascular conditions and is referenced in NICE guideline NG136 as a first-line treatment option for hypertension in adults aged 55 and over, and in adults of any age from an African or Caribbean family background.

All clinical information on this page is drawn from the current UK Summary of Product Characteristics for amlodipine tablets.

Amlodipine works by blocking calcium channels in the walls of blood vessels and in the heart muscle. Calcium plays a key role in causing muscles to contract. When calcium channels are blocked, the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls relaxes. This causes blood vessels to widen (vasodilation), which reduces the resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood around the body.

Effect on Blood Pressure

In hypertension, the widening of blood vessels reduces peripheral vascular resistance. This lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reducing the workload on the heart and the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack. The antihypertensive effect of amlodipine develops gradually and is sustained over 24 hours with once-daily dosing, supporting consistent blood pressure control throughout the day and night.

Effect on Angina

In angina, amlodipine reduces the workload on the heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing the force of cardiac contraction. It also dilates the coronary arteries directly, increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. In vasospastic angina, amlodipine relieves and prevents the coronary artery spasms that cause chest pain. These combined effects make amlodipine effective in reducing both the frequency and severity of angina episodes.

Always take amlodipine exactly as your prescriber instructs. The information below summarises key points from the current UK SmPC. Read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine before starting treatment.

• Take amlodipine once daily, at the same time each day. Consistent timing helps maintain a steady level of the medicine in your body.
• Amlodipine can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If you only remember the following day, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day.
• Do not stop taking amlodipine without speaking to your prescriber first. Stopping suddenly may cause your blood pressure to rise or angina to worsen.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine. Grapefruit can increase the level of amlodipine in your blood and may increase the risk of side effects.

Amlodipine tablets are available in two strengths through this service. The appropriate strength will be determined by your prescriber based on your blood pressure readings, the condition being treated, your age, kidney and liver function, and your response to treatment.

Amlodipine 5mg Tablets

The 5mg tablet is the standard starting dose for adults with hypertension or angina. Most patients begin treatment at 5mg once daily. This strength allows the prescriber to assess tolerability and response before any increase is considered. For patients who are older, have liver impairment, or are more sensitive to the effects of blood pressure medicines, 5mg is often the appropriate ongoing dose.

Amlodipine 10mg Tablets

If blood pressure or angina symptoms remain inadequately controlled on 5mg, the dose may be increased to 10mg once daily. This is the maximum recommended dose. The 10mg strength provides a greater antihypertensive and antianginal effect. Your prescriber will only increase the dose after reviewing your clinical response and tolerability. Do not increase your dose without medical advice.

Like all medicines, amlodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The information below is based on the current UK SmPC. Refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list.

Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs (peripheral oedema) - this is one of the most frequently reported side effects of amlodipine and is caused by the widening of blood vessels
• Flushing, a feeling of warmth or redness in the face
• Headache, particularly in the first few days of treatment
• Dizziness, particularly when standing up quickly
• Palpitations (awareness of the heartbeat)
• Fatigue and tiredness

Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Nausea, stomach pain, or indigestion
• Skin rash or itching
• Sleep disturbance or mood changes
• Muscle cramps or joint pain
• Changes in the frequency of urination

Serious Side Effects: Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Contact your prescriber or go to your nearest accident and emergency department promptly if you experience any of the following:

• Chest pain that is new or worsening, particularly shortly after starting treatment. A small number of patients with severe coronary artery disease may experience worsening angina when starting or increasing the dose of a calcium channel blocker.
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction
• A very fast or very irregular heartbeat
• Severe dizziness or fainting, which may indicate a significant fall in blood pressure
• Significant worsening of swelling in the legs or ankles

Report any suspected side effect to your prescriber or pharmacist or via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Amlodipine Tablets May Be Suitable If You:

• Are an adult with a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension who requires antihypertensive treatment
• Have stable or vasospastic angina and require treatment to reduce the frequency and severity of angina episodes
• Are already prescribed amlodipine and require a repeat prescription through an online prescribing service

Amlodipine Tablets Are Not Suitable If You:

• Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to amlodipine, other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, or any excipient listed in the SmPC
• Have severe hypotension (very low blood pressure)
• Have cardiogenic shock (a serious condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood)
• Have unstable angina, excluding vasospastic angina
• Have significant aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve)
• Are under 18 years of age (this service is for adults only)

Cautions

Particular care is required in patients with liver impairment, as amlodipine is metabolised by the liver and levels may be higher than expected. A lower starting dose of 2.5mg is sometimes used in this group, though this strength is not available through this service. Inform your prescriber if you have any degree of liver disease. Caution is also advised in patients with heart failure, as calcium channel blockers can affect cardiac function in some patients.

Important Drug Interactions

Amlodipine can interact with a number of other medicines. Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements. The following interactions are of particular clinical importance:

• Other antihypertensive medicines: the blood pressure lowering effect of amlodipine may be enhanced when taken with other medicines that reduce blood pressure, including other calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics, and beta blockers.
• Simvastatin: concurrent use of amlodipine with simvastatin may increase simvastatin levels in the blood, raising the risk of muscle-related side effects. The dose of simvastatin should not exceed 20mg per day in patients taking amlodipine.
• Ciclosporin and tacrolimus: amlodipine may increase the blood levels of these immunosuppressant medicines, requiring dose adjustment and monitoring.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clarithromycin: these medicines can increase amlodipine levels in the blood, potentially increasing the risk of side effects including hypotension.
• Grapefruit juice: can increase amlodipine blood levels and should be avoided during treatment.

This is not a complete list of interactions. Your prescriber will carry out a full clinical assessment, including a review of your current medicines, before any prescription is considered.

Amlodipine is a prescription-only medicine. The clinical consultation is the essential first step. A prescription will only be issued if a registered prescriber determines, based on their individual assessment of your circumstances, that amlodipine is clinically appropriate for you.

During your online consultation with Pharmacy Planet, a registered prescriber will review your clinical information. This includes your blood pressure readings, relevant medical history, current medicines, and any other factors relevant to cardiovascular risk and treatment suitability. Where you are seeking a repeat prescription, the prescriber will also review whether your current treatment remains appropriate.

Not all consultations will result in a prescription being issued. The prescriber may recommend a different dose, a different medicine, or suggest that a face-to-face appointment with your GP is more appropriate. This process is designed to ensure your safety.

If you are already being managed for hypertension or angina by your GP or a hospital team, please keep them informed of all medicines you are taking, including any prescribed through online services.

• Store below 30°C.
• Store in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not dispose of medicines via household waste or wastewater. Return unused or out-of-date tablets to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

Full storage instructions are provided in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The table below compares calcium channel blocker tablets available at Pharmacy Planet. Dihydropyridines (such as amlodipine and nifedipine) act mainly on blood vessels. Non-dihydropyridines (verapamil and diltiazem) also slow the heart rate and have antiarrhythmic properties.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy providing prescription medicines through a clinically led consultation process. Our registered prescribers and pharmacists are committed to patient safety, responsible prescribing, and accurate patient information. We follow GPhC standards, MHRA guidance, and ASA advertising regulations in all aspects of our service.

Our pharmacy team is available to answer questions about amlodipine, or cardiovascular health more broadly. We are committed to providing clear, honest information to support you in managing your health safely and with confidence.

References

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). Amlodipine 5mg and 10mg Tablets — Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc. Accessed August 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG136. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136. Accessed August 2026.
3. NHS. Amlodipine. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/amlodipine. Accessed August 2026.
4. Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (BNF). Amlodipine. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed August 2026.
5. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card — report a side effect. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed August 2026.