Levamlodipine
Indications
Levamlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent chest pain caused by narrowed heart arteries (stable angina). It can be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines.
How It Works
Levamlodipine is the active half of Amlodipine, so a smaller dose gives a similar effect. It is a calcium channel blocker: it relaxes and widens the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood, reducing angina.
Dosage and Administration
Adults: usually 2.5 mg once a day. The doctor may increase it to a maximum of 5 mg once a day. Older adults, small or frail people and people with liver problems may start at 1.25 mg once a day. Take at the same time each day, with or without food. Children: only as prescribed. Keep taking it even if you feel well.
Interactions
- Clarithromycin, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Ritonavir can raise levamlodipine levels and lower blood pressure too much.
- Rifampicin and Carbamazepine can lower its effect.
- Simvastatin dose should usually not exceed 20 mg a day when taken with it.
- It may raise levels of Tacrolimus and Ciclosporin.
- Other blood pressure medicines add to its effect. Avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice.
Contraindications
- Allergy to levamlodipine, Amlodipine or similar medicines (dihydropyridines).
- Very low blood pressure or shock, including shock caused by heart failure.
- Severe narrowing of the aortic valve of the heart.
- Unstable heart failure after a heart attack.
Side Effects
Common: ankle or foot swelling, headache, flushing, dizziness, tiredness and a pounding heartbeat (palpitations). Less common: nausea, stomach pain, muscle cramps and swollen gums.
Get urgent medical help if chest pain gets worse or lasts longer than usual, if you faint, have a very fast or irregular heartbeat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safety in pregnancy is not established; use only if the doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk. Small amounts of Amlodipine pass into breast milk; ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, liver disease or are elderly; a lower dose may be needed.
- Do not stop suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Dizziness can happen at the start; take care when driving.
- Good tooth brushing helps prevent gum swelling.
Overdose
An overdose can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting and a fast heartbeat, and can be serious. Seek emergency medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Calcium channel blocker (antihypertensive).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Levamlodipine