💊 Amlodipine – Information for Older Adults
Plain-language information about amlodipine in older adults. This page is for older Canadians and their caregivers. It does not replace advice from your own health-care provider.
Amlodipine
Blood Pressure Medication (Calcium Channel Blocker)
1. What is amlodipine used for?
Amlodipine is a medication from the calcium channel blocker family. It is commonly used to:
- Lower high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Prevent chest pain (angina) in people with coronary artery disease
- Protect the heart in people at risk of heart problems
Amlodipine can be used on its own or together with other blood pressure medications. It is usually taken by mouth as a tablet, once a day.
💡 Good to know
Amlodipine is one of the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications in Canada. It works gradually over several hours and provides 24-hour blood pressure control with just one daily dose.
2. How does amlodipine usually help?
Amlodipine works by:
Widens (dilates) arteries so blood flows more easily
Lowers the pressure your heart has to pump against
Helps prevent angina (chest pain) by improving oxygen delivery
By lowering blood pressure, amlodipine can help reduce the risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney damage from high blood pressure
- Heart failure
3. Why amlodipine needs extra care in older adults
Older adults taking amlodipine may experience:
- Greater blood pressure lowering effect (increased sensitivity)
- Higher risk of dizziness or lightheadedness
- More noticeable swelling in ankles and feet
- Interactions with other heart or blood pressure medications
👨⚕️ Because of this, health-care providers often:
⚠️ Fall risk
Dizziness from blood pressure medications can increase fall risk in older adults. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.
4. How amlodipine is usually taken
⚠️ Important
Follow the exact instructions from your doctor or nurse practitioner. Do not change your dose or stop taking amlodipine on your own.
In general:
Taken at the same time each day (morning or evening – your choice)
Can be taken with or without meals – follow your provider's advice
Take with a glass of water
Continue even if you feel well – high blood pressure often has no symptoms
❓ If you miss a dose
If you remember within 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as usual. Do not take two doses at once. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
🚫 Do not stop suddenly
Stopping amlodipine suddenly is usually not dangerous like some other heart medications, but your blood pressure may rise again. Always talk to your provider before stopping.
5. Possible side effects older adults may notice
Not everyone has side effects. Common ones can include:
Most common side effect – may be more noticeable in warm weather
Usually mild and may improve over time
Often improves after the first few weeks
Especially when standing up quickly
May happen in some people, usually mild
Some people notice their heart beating – usually not harmful
💡 About ankle swelling
Ankle swelling from amlodipine is caused by the medication widening blood vessels, not by heart or kidney problems. However, tell your provider if swelling is severe or bothersome – they may adjust your treatment.
⚠️ Rare but serious
Rarely, some people may have allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of face/lips/tongue) or severe dizziness. Contact your provider right away if you experience these.
6. Drug and food interactions
Some medications and foods can interact with amlodipine. Always tell your provider and pharmacist about all medications you take, including:
🍊 Grapefruit warning
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the amount of amlodipine in your blood, which may increase side effects. Ask your provider if you need to avoid grapefruit while taking amlodipine.
🍺 Alcohol
Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of amlodipine and may cause more dizziness. Ask your provider about safe limits for alcohol.
7. Habits and lifestyle that may help
Amlodipine works best as part of an overall plan for blood pressure and heart health. In general, providers often recommend:
Choose lower-sodium foods; avoid adding extra salt at the table
More vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
Regular walking or gentle exercise as approved by your provider
Maintaining a healthy weight can help blood pressure
Smoking raises blood pressure and damages blood vessels
Check blood pressure at home if recommended by your provider
✅ Always ask first
Ask your health-care provider which food and activity changes are safe for you, especially if you have other heart, kidney, or health problems.
8. When to call your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist
(Non-urgent)
Contact your health-care provider or pharmacist if:
- You notice new or worsening swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs
- You feel more dizzy or lightheaded than usual, especially when standing up
- Your home blood pressure readings are often much lower or higher than your target
- You have frequent or bothersome headaches
- You are starting a new prescription or over-the-counter medicine and are unsure if it is safe with amlodipine
- You are having dental work or surgery – tell them you take amlodipine
- You want to know if you can eat grapefruit
9. When to call 911 or go to the emergency department
🚨 Call 911 immediately if:
- Chest pain or pressure that does not go away
- Very short of breath or trouble breathing
- Feel like you might faint, or you do faint
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking (signs of stroke)
- Severe headache that is different from your usual headaches
- Fast or irregular heartbeat with feeling very unwell
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing)
If possible, do not drive yourself. Ask someone to call for you or call an ambulance.
10. Questions to ask your doctor or nurse practitioner
You can print these questions and bring them to your next appointment:
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
The information on SeniorHealthGuide.ca is general and may not fit your exact situation. It is for education only.
It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a health professional who knows your medical history can tell you what is right for you.
Never start, stop, or change any medication, or make major changes to your diet or exercise, without checking with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist.