Elcardio (Amlodipine) 10 mg Tablets Overview

What it is

Elcardio is a brand of amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker that helps relax blood vessels. It comes as 10 mg tablets and is registered with NAFDAC under number C4-1619.

What it's used for

Elcardio is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children 6 years and older, lowering the risk of stroke and heart attack. It also treats certain types of coronary artery disease, including chronic stable angina (chest pain), vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina, and angiographically documented coronary artery disease in patients without heart failure or low ejection fraction.

How it's taken

Elcardio is typically taken orally once daily. For adults, the usual starting dose is 5 mg, with a maximum of 10 mg per day. Smaller, fragile, or elderly patients may start at 2.5 mg. Children aged 6 and older may start at 2.5 mg to 5 mg. Always follow your doctor's prescription exactly.

Common side effects

The most common side effects are swelling of the legs or ankles (edema), dizziness, flushing, and palpitations (feeling a fast or irregular heartbeat). These tend to occur more often with higher doses. Fatigue and nausea have also been reported. If side effects bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Important cautions

Do not take Elcardio if you are allergic to amlodipine. Use caution if you have severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of a heart valve), as it may cause low blood pressure. Worsening chest pain or heart attack can rarely occur after starting or increasing the dose, especially in people with severe coronary artery disease. If you have severe liver disease, the dose should be increased slowly. Always discuss your full medical history with your doctor before taking this medicine.

Frequently asked questions