AMLOC® tablets are prescription medications used to manage high blood pressure and certain heart conditions.These tablets help millions of patients maintain healthier cardiovascular systems. This article provides a complete, trustworthy overview of AMLOC®, including its uses, ingredients, precautions, side effects, and dosage instructions.
What Is it and What Does It Contain?
AMLOC® contains the active ingredient amlodipine, which belongs to a class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine works by relaxing the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood, and improving oxygen supply to the heart muscles.
| Strength | Active Ingredient | Amount of Amlodipine |
|---|---|---|
| AMLOC® 5 mg | Amlodipine maleate | Equivalent to 5 mg |
| AMLOC® 10 mg | Amlodipine maleate | Equivalent to 10 mg |
Inactive ingredients include:
- Colloidal anhydrous silica
- Magnesium stearate
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Pregelatinised starch
- Sodium starch glycolate
Note: AMLOC® tablets are sugar-free and suitable for diabetic patients.
What Is it Used For?
AMLOC® is mainly used to:
- Lower high blood pressure (hypertension) – This helps reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
- Treat angina pectoris – A condition marked by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart.
Who Should Not Take it ?
You should not take AMLOC® if:
- You are allergic to amlodipine or other calcium channel blockers.
- You have experienced cardiogenic shock or very low blood pressure.
- You had a recent heart attack (within the last 28 days).
- You suffer from unstable angina.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your doctor).
Warnings and Precautions
Before starting AMLOC®, inform your doctor if you:
| Condition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Have liver or kidney disease | You may need a lower dose. |
| Are under 18 years of age | AMLOC® is not recommended for children. |
| Are older than 65 years | Dose adjustment may be required. |
| Have diabetes | Blood sugar levels may be affected. |
| Are experiencing chest pain while taking AMLOC® | May indicate worsening heart disease. |
| Are using lithium | Risk of lithium toxicity may increase. |
| Have porphyria | AMLOC® may not be safe in this condition. |
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Do not take AMLOC® if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you become pregnant while on AMLOC®, stop the medication and consult your doctor immediately.
Driving and Machine Use
AMLOC® may cause dizziness or fatigue in some individuals. If affected:
- Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Drug Interactions: What to Watch Out For
Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including traditional or herbal remedies.
Medications that may interact with AMLOC®:
| Type of Medicine | Effect |
|---|---|
| Other blood pressure/heart medications (e.g. beta-blockers, nitrates) | May increase the effects of AMLOC® |
| Antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole) | May alter amlodipine levels |
| Antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampicin) | May increase or decrease AMLOC® blood levels |
| Anticonvulsants (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin) | May reduce the effectiveness of AMLOC® |
| St John’s Wort | May lower amlodipine levels |
| HIV medicines (e.g. ritonavir) | May increase amlodipine levels |
| Lithium | Risk of lithium toxicity |
💡 Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting new medicines.
How to Take it
Take AMLOC® exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never change the dose or stop the medication without medical advice.
| Patient Group | Starting Dose | Maximum Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 5 mg once daily | 10 mg once daily |
| Elderly patients | Lower dose may be required | As advised by doctor |
| Patients with liver issues | Lower dose may be required | As advised by doctor |
| Patients with kidney issues | Usual adult dose (no adjustment needed) | As advised by doctor |
How to take:
- Take your tablet at the same time every day.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Missed Dose or Overdose
Missed a dose?
- Take it as soon as you remember.
- If it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Do not double up to make up for a forgotten tablet.
Took too much?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, or very low blood pressure.
What Happens If You Stop Taking it ?
Stopping AMLOC® suddenly may cause your blood pressure or chest pain to worsen. Always consult your doctor before discontinuing.
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences side effects, but here are the most commonly reported ones:
Serious (seek immediate medical help):
- Swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue (allergic reaction)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Slow or fast heartbeat
- Fainting
- Severe dizziness
- Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
- Pancreatitis (stomach pain, fever)
Common side effects:
| System Affected | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Nervous system | Headache, dizziness, fatigue |
| Cardiovascular | Flushing, palpitations |
| Gastrointestinal | Nausea, stomach pain |
| Body | Swelling (e.g. feet, ankles) |
Less common side effects:
- Constipation, vomiting, dry mouth, indigestion
- Joint pain, muscle cramps, back pain
- Sleep disturbances, mood swings
- Visual disturbances (blurred vision, eye pain)
- Skin rashes, itching, excessive pigmentation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Changes in taste or loss of taste
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
Always report side effects to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if they persist or worsen.
Storage and Disposal
| Storage Condition | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Store below 25 °C |
| Packaging | Keep tablets in original blister pack |
| Keep away from | Children, heat, light, and moisture |
| Disposal | Return unused medicine to the pharmacy. Do not flush. |
How AMLOC® Is Supplied
| Strength | Description |
|---|---|
| AMLOC® 5 mg | White, round, slightly biconvex, scored tablet (diameter: 8.0 mm) |
| AMLOC® 10 mg | White, round, slightly biconvex, scored tablet (diameter: 10.0 mm) |
Each pack contains 30 tablets in a sealed blister strip within a printed outer carton.
| Manufacturer: |
|---|
| Pharma Dynamics (Pty) Ltd |
| 1st Floor, Grapevine House |
| Steenberg Office Park |
| Silverwood Close, Westlake |
| Cape Town, 7945, South Africa |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does AMLOC® take to work?
- Blood pressure-lowering effects may begin within a few hours, but full effects are seen after 1-2 weeks.
2. Can I stop taking AMLOC® if I feel better?
- No. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Continue your medication even if you feel well, unless advised otherwise.
3. What if I experience swelling?
- Ankle swelling is a common side effect. Inform your doctor, who may adjust your dose or suggest lifestyle changes.
4. Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking AMLOC®?
- Alcohol may increase the blood pressure-lowering effects and cause dizziness. Limit alcohol intake.
5. Can AMLOC® be taken with food?
- Yes, AMLOC® can be taken with or without food.
Final Thoughts: Is AMLOC® Right for You?
AMLOC® is a reliable, well-tolerated treatment for hypertension and angina. By relaxing blood vessels, it effectively lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. However, like any medicine, it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s advice, take the correct dosage, and attend regular check-ups.
If you’re prescribed AMLOC®, take it responsibly and report any side effects. Never stop your medication abruptly, and always store it correctly.
Education:
NPU (National Pharmaceutical University) 2010-2015, 2015-2016 internship
Work experience:
2010 – 2012 Pharmacy 63 – Production Department
2012 – 2015 Pharmacy 63 – Pharmacist
2015 – 2016 Pharmacy 63 – Pharmacist
2016 – to date Pharmacy UA – Head of Pharmacy
