The medicine "Amlodipine" is probably familiar to many firsthand. Basically, this drug is prescribed for patients with angina pectoris. Let us consider in more detail the drug "Amlodipine", whose instruction contains the following information.
Structure. One tablet (5 mg) contains the active substance of amlodipine besilate. As auxiliary substances, milk sugar, potato starch, collidone, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate are used.
General description. Amlodipine tablets are white or almost white with a double-sided chamfer. Sometimes light marbling may be present.
Pharmacodynamics The derivative of dihydropyridine - blocks the calcium "slow" channels of the second generation, has a hypotensive and antianginal effect. It binds to dihydropyridine receptors and blocks calcium channels, thereby reducing the transmembrane transition to the cell of calcium ions (more to the smooth muscles of the walls of blood vessels than to myocytes of the heart). Antianginal action is caused by the expansion of arteries and arterioles located in the periphery: with angina pectoris, it reduces severe myocardial ischemia, dilates peripheral arteries, while reducing the overall vascular peripheral resistance, in addition, it reduces the preload on the heart, reduces the need for oxygen in the heart. In patients with angina pectoris, a single daily dose increases the time of physical exercise, slows down the development of ischemia and angina pectoris, plus it reduces the frequency of angina attacks and the need for nitroglycerin. Thus, patients with angina pectoris need Amlodipine, an instruction for this is proof.
Pharmacokinetics After oral administration, the drug is slowly absorbed from the digestive tract. The absolute average bioavailability is 64%, the maximum is concentrated in blood serum after 6-9 hours. Stable balance in the blood is observed on the 7th day. Food does not affect the absorption of amlodipine. In elderly patients (older than 65 years), the excretion of this drug is slowed down compared to young patients, however, this difference is not clinically significant.
Amlodipine, the instruction of which contains all the necessary information, has the following indications for use: for arterial hypertension (combination with other similar drugs or monotherapy), exertional angina, vasospatic angina (Prinzmetal).
Contraindications
- high sensitivity to the active substance and other derivatives of dihydropyridine;
- arterial hypotension in severe form;
- cardiogenic shock, collapse;
- unstable angina (exception - Prinzmetal angina);
- lactation and pregnancy;
- for persons under 18 years of age, safety and effect have not been established.
Dosage and route of administration . Take "Amlodipine" instruction as follows: inside, the minimum dose of 5 mg, the maximum - 10 mg, 1 time per day. With arterial hypertension, the maintenance dose may be 5 mg per day. With angina pectoris, take 5-10 mg once a day. Thin patients, as well as low patients and patients with impaired liver function, are prescribed 2.5 mg.
Special instructions. During the course of treatment with Amlodipine, it is necessary to monitor body weight and consumption of a substance such as sodium, sometimes a special diet is required. It is important to monitor the hygiene of the oral cavity and teeth, visit the dentist regularly (to avoid pain and bleeding gums). With increasing doses in the elderly requires careful monitoring of them. There is no data on the effect of the drug on the ability to drive a car. But, it should be borne in mind that in some people it can cause slight dizziness and drowsiness.