Amlodipine

A prescription dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain (angina).

Medication

What it is

Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (calcium antagonist). Its FDA label states it works by inhibiting "the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle." It is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, and the Norvasc brand label additionally lists coronary artery disease, including chronic stable angina and vasospastic (Prinzmetal's or variant) angina, among its indications. Amlodipine is extensively metabolized by the liver, with a long elimination half-life of about 30 to 50 hours, and steady-state levels are reached after about 7 to 8 days of daily dosing.

How it is commonly taken

The FDA label states the recommended initial adult dose is 5 mg once daily, with a maximum of 10 mg once daily; small, fragile, or elderly patients, or those with hepatic impairment, may be started at 2.5 mg once daily.

Food and timing considerations

The FDA label states that the bioavailability of amlodipine besylate tablets "is not altered by the presence of food," and that a single dose of grapefruit juice co-administered with amlodipine "had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine."

Known interaction categories

  • Insufficient evidence
  • Monitor
  • Informational

Published interaction pages on this site

Related guides

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-08-24

Medical information disclaimer: this information is general and educational. It does not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment, or determine whether a combination is safe for you personally. Follow your prescription label and ask a pharmacist or clinician before starting, stopping, or combining products. Full disclaimer.