Amlokris: A Brand of Amlodipine for Blood Pressure and Chest Pain

What it is

Amlokris is a brand of amlodipine, which belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.

What it's used for

Amlokris is used in adults and children 6 years and older to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. It is also used to treat chronic stable angina (chest pain due to narrowed heart arteries) and vasospastic angina (chest pain from blood vessel spasm). Additionally, it is prescribed for patients with coronary artery disease who do not have heart failure or a low ejection fraction.

How it's taken

Amlokris tablets are taken by mouth, usually once daily. For adults, the typical starting dose is 5 mg, and the maximum recommended dose is 10 mg daily. Some patients, such as the elderly or those with liver problems, may start at 2.5 mg. For children 6 years and older, the starting dose is 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

Common side effects

The most common side effects include swelling of the ankles or feet (edema), dizziness, flushing (warmth or redness of the face), and palpitations (feeling of a fast or irregular heartbeat). These side effects often depend on the dose. Other possible side effects are fatigue and nausea. Not everyone experiences these effects.

Important cautions

Do not take Amlokris if you are allergic to amlodipine or any of the tablet ingredients. Use with caution if you have severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the heart valve), as it may cause low blood pressure. In rare cases, starting or increasing the dose can worsen angina or trigger a heart attack, especially in people with severe coronary artery disease. Patients with severe liver disease need careful monitoring and may require a slower dose increase.

Frequently asked questions