Medicine Information

Amlo

Name: Amlo
Brand: Amlo
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet5 mgAntihypertensive; AntianginalATC: C08CA01

Generic Name

Amlodipine

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
amlo 5 mg tablet	৳ 3.50	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.

Uses & Indications

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Chronic stable angina

Vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal's or variant angina)

Dosage

Adults

Initial dose is 5 mg orally once daily. Maximum dose is 10 mg once daily.

Elderly

A starting dose of 2.5 mg once daily may be considered. Standard adult dose if tolerated.

Renal_impairment

No dosage adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic_impairment

A starting dose of 2.5 mg once daily is recommended in patients with hepatic impairment.

How to Take

Take orally with or without food, usually once daily.

Mechanism of Action

Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. This causes vascular smooth muscle relaxation and peripheral vasodilation, leading to a reduction in blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within 1-2 hours for antihypertensive effect.

Excretion

Excreted primarily in urine as inactive metabolites (60%) and less than 10% as unchanged drug.

Half life

30-50 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.

Absorption

Well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring 6-12 hours post-dose. Bioavailability is 64-90%.

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites (approximately 90%) by CYP3A4.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to amlodipine or other dihydropyridines
Severe hypotension
Cardiogenic shock
Obstruction of the outflow tract of the left ventricle (e.g., high-grade aortic stenosis)
Hemodynamically unstable heart failure after acute myocardial infarction

Drug Interactions

Tacrolimus

Increased blood levels of tacrolimus; monitor tacrolimus levels.

Simvastatin

Amlodipine may increase simvastatin exposure; limit simvastatin dose to 20 mg daily.

Clarithromycin

Increased risk of hypotension and acute kidney injury.

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir)

May increase amlodipine exposure, requiring dose reduction.

CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, St. John's Wort)

May decrease amlodipine exposure.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms include excessive peripheral vasodilation with marked hypotension and possibly reflex tachycardia. Management involves active cardiovascular support, including monitoring cardiac and respiratory function, elevation of extremities, and monitoring circulating fluid volume and urine output. Intravenous calcium gluconate may be beneficial.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Amlodipine is excreted in human milk; use with caution during lactation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets30 tablets100 tablets

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Available worldwide

Approval Status

Approved by major regulatory bodies globally (e.g., FDA, EMA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Amlodipine has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in hypertension and angina, leading to its widespread use and inclusion in essential medicines lists.

Lab Monitoring

Generally, no specific routine laboratory monitoring is required for amlodipine. Liver function tests may be considered in patients with hepatic impairment.

Doctor Notes

Advise patients on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise).
Monitor blood pressure regularly.
Caution in patients with severe aortic stenosis or hepatic impairment.
Educate patients on symptoms of overdose.

Patient Guidelines

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily.
Do not stop taking amlodipine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well.
Report any unusual swelling, dizziness, or chest pain to your doctor.
Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Amlodipine may cause dizziness, headache, or fatigue, especially at the start of treatment or during dose escalation. Patients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how amlodipine affects them.