- Body system
- Cardiovascular
- Brand names
- Norvasc, Katerzia
What is Amlodipine used for?
- Hypertension
- Chronic stable angina
- Vasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina
How Amlodipine works
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker: relaxes arterial smooth muscle and lowers blood pressure, with little effect on heart rate.
Common side effects
- Peripheral edema (ankle swelling)
- Headache
- Flushing
- Dizziness
Report right away
- Chest pain that worsens
- Fainting
- Marked swelling
Nursing considerations for Amlodipine
- Check the blood pressure; assess for ankle edema, which is common and not caused by fluid overload.
- Long half-life: once-daily dosing.
Patient teaching
- Rise slowly.
- Report swelling of the ankles or feet.
- Good oral hygiene: gum overgrowth can occur.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Calcium channel blockers practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Amlodipine belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient on amlodipine has bilateral ankle swelling with clear lungs and stable weight. What is the most likely cause?
Show answer
Answer A: An expected effect of vasodilation Peripheral edema is a common effect of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers and comes from arteriolar dilation, not fluid overload.
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Before giving IV diltiazem for atrial fibrillation, which assessment matters most?
Show answer
Answer C: Heart rate and blood pressure Diltiazem slows AV conduction and lowers blood pressure; bradycardia and hypotension are the main risks.
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Which drink should the nurse tell a patient to ask about before using while taking a calcium channel blocker?
Show answer
Answer B: Grapefruit juice Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise levels of several calcium channel blockers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amlodipine used for?
Hypertension; Chronic stable angina; Vasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina.
What drug class is Amlodipine?
Amlodipine belongs to the class calcium channel blockers. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker: relaxes arterial smooth muscle and lowers blood pressure, with little effect on heart rate.
What are the nursing considerations for Amlodipine?
Check the blood pressure; assess for ankle edema, which is common and not caused by fluid overload. Long half-life: once-daily dosing.
What should patients report while taking Amlodipine?
chest pain that worsens; fainting; marked swelling.