As is the case with any other medication, there may be some instances where amlodipine use is not recommended or usage will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of negative interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, drugs that may interact with amlodipine include the following:
- Dantrolene (Revonto, Ryanodex, Dantrium)
- Valsartan (Diovan)
- Nitroglycerin (Rectiv, Nitro-Time, Nitrolingual)
- Losartan (Cozaar)
- Sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio)
- Diltiazem (Cartia XT, Tiazac, DILT-XR)
- Idelalisib (Zydelig)
- Ivacaftor (Kalydeco)
- Nefazodone (Serzone)
- Simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin)
- St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
- Anti-epilepsy medications
- Antibiotics
- Antifungal medications
Please note that this list may not be complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur.
Amlodipine and Valsartan
Amlodipine and valsartan are both used to treat high blood pressure and sometimes prescribed together. In rare cases, the combination of these two medications can lead to a condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue which can lead to kidney failure. Anyone who is taking amlodipine and valsartan and develops a fever, muscle pain, muscle weakness, excessive fatigue, or dark-colored urine should call their doctor right away.
Other potential serious effects of taking amlodipine and valsartan include:
- Syncope (passing out)
- Swelling
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid weight gain
- Pounding heartbeat
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Amlodipine and Simvastatin
Amlodipine and simvastatin are used to treat different things (amlodipine- high blood pressure and simvastatin high cholesterol) and sometimes prescribed together. Taking them together may increase the amount of simvastatin in the blood. In rare cases, the combination of these two medications can lead to liver damage or rhabdomyolysis.
Other potential serious effects of taking amlodipine and simvastatin:
- Syncope (passing out)
- Swelling
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid weight gain
- Pounding heartbeat
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Amlodipine and Losartan
Amlodipine and losartan are both used to treat high blood pressure and sometimes prescribed together. There have been no negative interactions found between amlodipine and losartan; in fact, research suggests concomitant (at the same time) use could be beneficial. For example, one animal study with rats found that a combination of these drugs produced more significant antihypertensive effects than either drug alone. One human study also found that a combination of these drugs was more effective in reducing systolic blood pressure than just amlodipine.
Amlodipine and Viagra
Viagra is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. But, when taken with amlodipine, it may enhance blood pressure-lowering effects. This action may lead to very low blood pressure (hypotension), which can present as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, headache, flushing, or a rapid heart rate. Until patients know how these two medications affect them, they should avoid operating heavy machinery and be cautious when getting up from a lying or sitting position.
Food Interactions
Sometimes the foods we eat and the beverages we drink can also interact with our medications. Food and drink that may interact with amlodipine include alcohol and foods that are high in cholesterol or fat, which may make this medication less effective.
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other foods and beverages that interact with this drug. Patients should follow their medical provider’s dietary recommendations while taking amlodipine. For example, many doctors prescribe a low-sodium (low-salt) diet.
Amlodipine and Grapefruit
Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking certain blood pressure medications may affect how certain medication works. While small amounts of grapefruit juice don’t appear to significantly impact how the body processes amlodipine, patients should talk to their doctor before eating grapefruit, especially if they’re taking other blood pressure medications.
Amlodipine and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page regarding amlodipine and alcohol interactions.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases or other medical conditions.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, diseases and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with amlodipine include:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Liver disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease (in rare cases, people with severe CAD may experience severe angina or acute myocardial infarction, aka a heart attack, while taking amlodipine)
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take amlodipine, or should take this medication with caution.
Amlodipine and ED (Erectile Dysfunction)
Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine rarely cause ED, but it is possible.
Amlodipine and Heart Rate
Amlodipine often causes rapid pulse or heart rate as a side effect. It may also lower heart rate and increase exercise capacity in some individuals.
Amlodipine and Weight Gain
Weight gain is considered a rare side effect of amlodipine. If weight gain does occur, it may happen as a result of fluid retention and swelling (edema). Cisgender women appear more likely than cisgender men to experience this side effect.
Amlodipine and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on amlodipine and pregnancy risks.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
