Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker primarily used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children six years old and above. It also treats patients who have angina, chest pain from coronary artery disease, and heart muscle disease where there is increased risk of having a heart attack.

Like any medication, this blood pressure drug has its limitations. Here are four important FAQs to consider before drinking alcohol while taking amlodipine.

What is Amlodipine?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker primarily used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children six years old and above. Though it is mostly used for high blood pressure, amlodipine can also be used for patients with angina, heart failure, and other cardiac problems.

Amlodipine belongs to a group of drugs called antihypertensives, commonly known as "blood pressure drugs" that are prescribed to lower your blood pressure so that it falls into the normal range of systolic blood pressure (the top number) being less than 140 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) being less than 90 mm Hg.

How Does Amlodipine Work?

It is a drug with vaso-relaxant, antihypertensive (anti-high blood pressure) and lusitropic (heart muscle relaxing) properties. It is used in the management of high blood pressure, angina, and as a treatment for chronic stable angina.

Amlodipine helps lower your blood pressure by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels so there is less resistance to blood flowing through them. As a result, arterial pressure is reduced, and this helps prevent further problems to your heart and other organs caused by high blood pressure such as a stroke.

What are the Possible Side Effects of Taking Amlodipine?

Amlodipine may produce side effects in some people. Let your doctor know if you any of these symptoms are severe or persistent:

• headache
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• nausea
• stomach pain
• upset stomach
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• flushing
• excessive tiredness
• drowsiness

Some side effects can be serious. Should you experience any of these symptoms, call your physician immediately or get emergency medical aid:

• rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• more frequent or more severe chest pain
• fainting

Are There Any Possible Drug Interactions I should Be Aware Of?

An interaction occurs when a substance changes the way a particular drug works. This can be detrimental or inhibit the drug from working as designed. Some drugs that may cause interactions with amlodipine include.

• Heart medication – amlodipine combined with diltiazem often increase the level of amlodipine in the system.
• Antifungal medications–these can increase your body’s level of amlodipine in your body. Such drugs include ketoconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole.
• Antibiotics - amlodipine combined with clarithromycin can amplify the level of amlodipine in the body.
• Medications for erection problems (ED)–combined with amlodipine, the following may raise your risk of low blood pressure (hypotension). These include sildenafil. tadalafil, vanafil, and vardenafil.
• Cholesterol medication
• Drugs used in the control of the immune system

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully.

What Brand Names Does Amlodipine Go By?

Amlodipine is sold under the brand names of Katerzia® and Norvasc®, while Amvaz® has been discontinued. The brand names of combination products that include Amlodipine are:

• Azor® (Olmesartan)
• Caduet® (Atorvastatin)
• Consensi® (Celecoxib)
• Exforge® (Valsartan)
• Exforge® HCT (Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Prestalia® (Perindopril)
• Tribenzor® (Olmesartan)
• Twynsta® (Telmisartan)

Can I Drink Alcohol When Taking Amlodipine?

According to the "New England Journal of Medicine," combining the drug with alcoholic beverages is not typically problematic. However, if you do drink while on amlodipine prescriptions, it's important to keep your consumption at moderate levels to help avoid any adverse reaction that could be dangerous.

You can drink alcohol with amlodipine but drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of amlodipine, which can make you feel sleepy, dizzy or bring on a headache.

What are Some Other Reasons to Avoid Amlodipine?

Liver problems

Amlodipine is processed by your liver. If your liver isn’t working well, more of this drug may stay in your body longer. This puts you at risk for more side effects. If you have severe liver problems, your doctor may give you a lower dosage.

Heart problems

If you have heart problems, this drug may increase your risk of health problems. Some people have low blood pressure, severer chest pains, or even a heart attack after starting or increasing their dose of amlodipine. Should this occur, call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.

Conclusions

If you're concerned about any interaction between amlodipine and alcohol, please talk to a doctor or pharmacist for advice. Even if your prescribed medication is not called amlodipine, it may still have important interactions with alcohol. In some situations, you may want to contact a lawyer such as attorney Terry Bryant if medical malpractice is suspected. So even if you're not taking this drug, check to see whether any of your other medications could interact with the amount of alcohol you’re drinking.

It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before you drink.