Calcium Channel Blocker (Blood Pressure Drug)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Amlodipine is a blood pressure-lowering drug that works by relaxing your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, which reduces the pressure on your heart.
Blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac tissue, preventing calcium influx and reducing vasoconstriction, thereby lowering blood pressure and decreasing myocardial oxygen demand.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Adults usually start with one 5 mg tablet once a day. Your doctor may increase it to 10 mg once a day depending on how your body responds. You can take it with or without food, but try to take it at the same time every day — many people find morning or bedtime easiest to remember. Swallow the tablet with water.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for it.
Do not stop taking amlodipine suddenly because your blood pressure feels normal — high blood pressure often has no symptoms, so keep taking it as prescribed. Buy only from registered pharmacies and trusted brands like Afadopine, Amdocal, Afrab Amlodipine, or Aminocure Amlodipine — avoid buying from roadside sellers or unregistered shops. Do not share your amlodipine with others, even if they also have high blood pressure, as their dose may be different.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking amlodipine as it can increase the drug level in your blood and cause side effects. If you are taking other blood pressure drugs like lisinopril or atenolol, your doctor needs to monitor you closely to prevent your BP from dropping too low. Alcohol can increase dizziness and lower your blood pressure further, so limit or avoid alcohol.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Amlodipine with your other drugs?
Amlodipine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — consult your doctor for a safer alternative if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep the tablets in their original pack and far from the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Amlodipine?
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