Description:

Amlodipine Tablets is a generic calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine type) used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) to reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems, and to manage chronic stable angina (chest pain) or vasospastic (Prinzmetal’s) angina by relaxing blood vessels and decreasing cardiac workload. The 5mg strength is a common starting and maintenance dose for adults.

Prescription:

Prescription-only.

Therapeutic Category:

• Calcium Channel Blocker (Antihypertensive / Anti-anginal.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Amlodipine (as amlodipine besilate) 5 mg per tablet

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Amlodipine  (standard 5mg strength). Related variants: Crescent Amlodipine 10mg (higher dose), or combinations like Amlodipine + Atenolol or Amlodipine + Hydrochlorothiazide (if available under Crescent). The 5mg tablet is the common starting dose.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush/chew).

Directions/Usage:

Take exactly as prescribed (usually once daily).

• Hypertension or angina: Starting dose typically 5 mg once daily (morning preferred).
• Maintenance: 5–10 mg once daily (maximum 10 mg/day).
• Take consistently (with or without food; food slightly affects absorption but not extent).
• Do not stop suddenly (rebound hypertension/angina risk); taper under supervision if discontinuing.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly; effects build over days to weeks.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Headache
• Dizziness/lightheadedness (especially standing)
• Flushing (warmth/redness in face/neck)
• Peripheral edema (swelling in ankles/feet/legs)
• Fatigue/weakness Other: Nausea, palpitations, muscle cramps. Serious (seek help): Severe hypotension, worsening chest pain, rapid/irregular heartbeat, severe allergic reactions, or gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth long-term).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 3×10 = 30 tablets or multiples; foil blisters in carton with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Risk of hypotension—rise slowly to avoid dizziness/falls.
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to amlodipine, cardiogenic shock, severe hypotension, or acute MI.
• Caution in heart failure, severe aortic stenosis, liver impairment (dose adjustment), pregnancy (avoid if possible, Category C), breastfeeding, or elderly (more side effects).
• Avoid grapefruit juice (increases levels/toxicity).
• Inform doctor of all medications (interacts with beta-blockers, digoxin, etc.).
• If angina worsens, severe headache, swelling, or shortness of breath, seek urgent care.
• Regular blood pressure monitoring essential.

Product Substitutes: Similar amlodipine 5mg tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic amlodipine 5mg (various importers).
• Amlocad 5mg (Entrance Pharmaceuticals).
• Norvasc (original Pfizer brand, higher price if stocked). Alternatives: Other calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine, felodipine) or antihypertensives (e.g., lisinopril, losartan). Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra for switch.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Crescent Therapeutics

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom