💊 Amlodipine
Amlodipine is a commonly prescribed medicine used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). It belongs to a group called calcium channel blockers.
🧠 How it works
Amlodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels, which:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves blood flow to the heart
- Reduces workload on the heart
🩺 What it is used for
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Chest pain (angina)
- Sometimes used in combination with other heart medicines
⚠️ Common side effects
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flushing (feeling warm/red face)
- Fatigue
- Palpitations (feeling heartbeat)
🚨 Less common but serious effects
- Severe swelling
- Very low blood pressure
- Worsening chest pain (rare)
- Allergic reactions
💡 Important tips
- Take it at the same time daily
- Don’t stop suddenly without doctor advice
- Swelling in legs is common but should still be reported if severe
- Works best with diet changes (low salt) and exercise
🧠 Simple summary
Amlodipine helps relax blood vessels so blood flows more easily, lowering blood pressure and protecting the heart.
If you want, I can compare amlodipine vs metoprolol, or explain how to manage its side effects 👍