Amlodipine is a generic medication that treats high blood pressure (hypertension), which affects about half of all adults in the United States. Doctors also use it to treat angina and coronary artery disease.
If you take amlodipine to manage your blood pressure, you may wonder what’s the best time to take this medication. It’s usually taken once per day, but research is mixed on whether it’s more effective to take it in the morning or evening.
It is important to remain consistent when taking your medication, no matter what time you choose to take it.
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Is it better to take amlodipine in the morning or evening?
Research on the best time to take amlodipine is mixed. Older research from 2003 indicates that the best time to take amlodipine is in the morning. But more recent research from 2020 suggests the best time is in the evening.
The 2020 study, which looked into more than 19,000 people taking the medication, points out that taking amlodipine in the evening reduced the risk of illness and death from cardiovascular conditions.
Also, a 2023 study found that taking amlodipine in the evening helped lower blood pressure during the night and decreased the risk of cardiovascular events like stroke.
Unless you need to lower night-time blood pressure, the study noted that the medication should be taken at a time of the day that helps you stick to a regular dosing schedule and minimizes side effects. It’s important to stick to a regular schedule with this medication and not to skip doses.
One of the possible side effects of amlodipine is fatigue. If this is the case for you, you may want to take it before you go to sleep so that it doesn’t affect your waking hours too much.
Amlodipine usually starts to work the moment you take it. But it may take around 7 or 8 days to reach its full effect.
How does amlodipine work?
Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. Doctors commonly prescribe it to treat high blood pressure, which affects about 119.9 million people in the United States, and chest pain (angina). It is also prescribed for the treatment of coronary artery disease.
Amlodipine works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing for the easier flow of blood. Your muscles need calcium to contract, so medications such as amlodipine that block calcium cause the muscles to relax. This means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood through your body.
Amlodipine is available as a generic drug but also under the brand names Katerzia and Norvasc. It comes in tablet or liquid form. Amlodipine can be prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs. When combined with other drugs, it’s sold under brand names like:
- Azor (amlodipine, olmesartan)
- Caduet (amlodipine, atorvastatin)
- Exforge (amlodipine, valsartan)
- Exforge HCT (amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, valsartan)
- Prestalia (amlodipine, perindopril)
- Tribenzor (amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, olmesartan)
- Twynsta (amlodipine, telmisartan)
Side effects and drug interactions
Amlodipine can cause some side effects. The most common side effects include:
- fatigue
- nausea
- stomach pain
- flushing
- swelling of the hands, feet, lower legs, and ankles due to fluid buildup
- excessive sleepiness
If these side effects persist or become hard to manage, talk with your doctor.
Amlodipine can also cause serious side effects, which include a rapid or irregular heartbeat, severe chest pain, and fainting.
If you experience any of these serious symptoms, get immediate medical attention. Also reach out to your doctor. They can help determine whether you should continue taking amlodipine or switch to another medication.
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Get free cardAmlodipine interactions
Amlodipine can interact with other medications and supplements, which may affect the way the medication works or lead to adverse effects. If your doctor prescribes amlodipine, be sure to let them know if you’re taking:
- antibiotics
- other calcium channel blockers like diltiazem or verapamil
- antifungal medicines
- medications to treat HIV and hepatitis C virus
- antiepilepsy drugs
- immunosuppressants
- medication to lower cholesterol
- herbal remedies and supplements like St. John’s wort
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Summary
Amlodipine is a common medication prescribed to treat high blood pressure, different types of angina, and coronary heart disease. It’s a type of calcium channel blocker and works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
Research is mixed about the best time to take amlodipine. Some research suggests that it’s best to take it in the morning to help lower blood pressure throughout the day when blood pressure tends to spike. But other research suggests that it’s best to take it in the evening to help regulate blood pressure levels while sleeping and prevent any cardiovascular events.
But, perhaps what’s most important thing is to take it at the same time every day at a time that’s most convenient for you to help you stick to a regular medication schedule.