Amlodipine is a generic medication of the brand-name Norvasc. This article describes amlodipine’s dosages, strengths, and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for amlodipine.
If you want to know more about amlodipine oral tablets, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Amlodipine oral tablets are taken by mouth. They’re available in the following strengths:
- 2.5 milligrams (mg)
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
Dosage of amlodipine
This article describes the recommended dosages* for amlodipine oral tablets.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll explain the dosage that’s best for you. Do not change your dosage of amlodipine oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation.
* The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages. If your doctor prescribes amlodipine, be sure to take the dosage they prescribe for you.
Usual recommended dosages of amlodipine in adults
For certain conditions, doctors will start treatment with a low dosage of amlodipine oral tablets. Then, they’ll adjust the dosage over time until they reach the right dosage. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of amlodipine oral tablets that gives the desired outcome.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed. That said, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs.
Dosage for high blood pressure and coronary artery disease
The following table shows the recommended dosages for approved uses of amlodipine oral tablets in adults. Starting dosages for high blood pressure depend on age and liver function. Dosages for coronary artery disease also depend on these factors.
* Doctors prescribe a lower starting dose and maintenance dose to certain people. In these people, their body removes the drug more slowly. They include older adults (usually ages 65 years and older). They also include people who are smaller in size and people with liver problems. But most adults take 10 mg per day.
† Angina is chest pain related to coronary artery disease.
If you take amlodipine for high blood pressure, your doctor will monitor how it’s working for you. They may increase your dose slightly every 7 to 14 days until it provides the desired outcome. The maximum dosage is 10 mg once per day.
Similarly, if you take amlodipine for coronary artery disease, your doctor will monitor how it’s working for you. A dosage of 10 mg per day is common for managing this condition.
Dosages of amlodipine in children
Amlodipine oral tablets are approved to treat high blood pressure in children ages 6 to 17 years. Your child’s typical dosage will be 2.5 mg to 5 mg once per day.
Children usually won’t take more than 5 mg once per day. This is because higher dosages haven’t been studied in children.
Dosage adjustments for amlodipine
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of amlodipine oral tablets based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
If you have liver problems, your doctor may start you on a lower dosage of amlodipine. Your liver removes amlodipine from your body. If it works more slowly, you may have more amlodipine in your blood. This can lead to a higher risk of side effects.
Doctors also may prescribe a lower dosage of amlodipine for children and older adults. (Older adults are usually considered ages 65 years and older.) Children often have lower body weight, or their body processes the drug differently. And older adults may have a higher risk of side effects, such as dizziness.
Check with your doctor if you have questions about dosage adjustments for amlodipine oral tablets.
If you miss a dose of amlodipine oral tablets, note when the dose was due. If it was due fewer than 12 hours ago, take it as soon as you remember. If it was due more than 12 hours ago, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take two doses at a time.
For tips on how to plan your doses of amlodipine oral tablets, read this article. It can help you avoid missing doses. You could also try downloading a reminder app on your phone or setting an alarm.
How amlodipine is taken
You’ll take amlodipine oral tablets by swallowing them, usually once per day. You can take them with food or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take amlodipine oral tablets around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. Doing so can help amlodipine work more effectively.
The drugmaker has not stated whether amlodipine oral tablets may be chewed, split, or crushed. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. You’ll find suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can offer recommendations about taking your medication.
Amlodipine coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for amlodipine when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of amlodipine
It’s important that you do not take more amlodipine oral tablets than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of amlodipine overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose of amlodipine oral tablets can include:
- low blood pressure caused by widened blood vessels
- rapid heartbeat
What to do if you take too much amlodipine
If you think you’ve taken too much amlodipine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Your heart and breathing may need to be monitored at a healthcare facility. Or, you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at the American Association of Poison Control Centers. You can also use its online resource.
If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Frequently asked questions
This section presents answers to some questions commonly asked about amlodipine oral tablets and their dosages.
Is the dosage of amlodipine the same as the dosage of amlodipine besylate?
Yes, it’s the same. Amlodipine besylate is the full name of amlodipine. It’s also the active ingredient that makes amlodipine work. Most doctors and pharmacists refer to the drug as amlodipine.
If you have questions about your dosage of amlodipine oral tablets, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do doctors prescribe an amlodipine dosage taken twice daily?
No, they usually don’t. Once you start taking amlodipine, one dose is effective for 24 hours in your body. This means you don’t need to take it more than once per day.
Your doctor will prescribe the dose and timing of amlodipine oral tablets that are best for you. They may suggest that you take your dose at the same time each day. Read about ways to remember to take your medication on time in this article.
Is there a recommended amlodipine dose for older people?
Sometimes doctors prescribe a lower dose of amlodipine oral tablets for older adults. (Older adults are usually considered ages 65 years and older.) Your doctor will consider certain factors and prescribe the dose that’s best for you.
Some people taking amlodipine oral tablets have side effects of dizziness and low blood pressure. These side effects may happen more often in older adults. Because of this, older adults should be monitored closely to avoid falls and injury.
If you’re an older adult, you may start treatment with a lower dose. You and your doctor will watch to see how the drug might affect you.
Your liver removes amlodipine from your body, but older adults sometimes have reduced liver function. Doctors may prescribe a lower starting dose for older adults. Then they’ll monitor how well the liver removes the drug. If side effects are bothersome, the dose may stay low. Or the doctor may recommend another medication.
Check with your doctor if you want to learn more about the dosages of amlodipine in older people.
What is a typical amlodipine plus benazepril dosage?
Doctors use a range of dosages when prescribing a combination product of amlodipine and benazepril. (Benazepril lowers blood pressure, but it works differently from amlodipine.) The brand name of this combination product is Lotrel.
Dosages for Lotrel range from 2.5 milligrams (mg) amlodipine/10 mg benazepril to 10 mg amlodipine/40 mg benazepril. If you’re just starting on Lotrel, you’ll typically start with its lowest dosage. If you already take amlodipine or benazepril alone, your starting dosage of Lotrel may match the medication you’re taking.
Check with your doctor if you have questions about Lotrel’s dosage.
Is amlodipine used long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe amlodipine oral tablets as a long-term treatment.
If you and your doctor feel it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for amlodipine oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll advise the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of amlodipine oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take amlodipine oral tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes them.
Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Would a lower dosage of amlodipine oral tablets lower my risk of dizziness?
- I may start on another blood pressure medication. If so, does my doctor need to change my dosage of amlodipine oral tablets?
- How quickly will my doctor increase my dosage of amlodipine oral tablets?
- What’s the best time of day to take amlodipine oral tablets?
- Will a lower dose of amlodipine oral tablets cost less?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
