Amlodipine is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the UK, but the NHS warns patients to call 999 if they experience a severe symptom
The NHS is issuing a warning to anyone taking amlodipine that they must dial 999 if they develop a major, severe symptom. Amlodipine ranks among the most frequently prescribed medications in the UK and is regularly used to tackle hypertension, more commonly referred to as high blood pressure.
Nevertheless, it can also serve as a preventive treatment for chest pain triggered by heart disease, known as angina. The medication works by relaxing and expanding blood vessels, thereby making it simpler for blood to circulate throughout the body and reducing blood pressure.
Due to this mechanism, amlodipine can also enhance the blood and oxygen delivery to the heart. Usually, amlodipine is dispensed as either a tablet or liquid form for patients to swallow.
It’s important to note though that like many medicines, amlodipine can cause a variety of side effects. In some circumstances, these may be severe enough to warrant a call to your GP or even 999.
Side effects of amlodipine and when to call 999
NHS guidance states: “Like all medicines, amlodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the medicine.”
Whilst amlodipine can trigger various common but mild side effects that impact more than one in 100 people, including headaches, dizziness, and a racing heartbeat, it can also lead to more severe side effects. The NHS reports that these serious side effects are uncommon and may affect one in 10,000 people.
Side effects such as stomach issues, severe abdominal pain, and the whites of your eyes turning yellow are deemed serious. However, the NHS only recommends ringing your GP or 111 if you experience these whilst on amlodipine.
The NHS emphasises that individuals on amlodipine should dial 999 if they suffer from unrelenting chest pain. If amlodipine is being used to manage angina, it advises calling 999 if the pain is new or worse than usual.
Bear in mind that the NHS doesn’t recommend trying to drive yourself to A&E in this situation. Instead, it points out that the person you speak to after dialling 999 will be able to give appropriate advice on what to do next.
You might also need to ring 999 if you exhibit any symptoms indicative of a severe allergic reaction to amlodipine. These symptoms can include:
- Tight feeling in the throat
- Struggling to swallow
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
- Very fast breathing
- Struggling to breathe or feeling like you’re gasping for air
- Sudden confusion, dizziness, or drowsiness
- Sudden swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Skin, lips, or tongue turn blue, pale, or grey
Full details on the side effects associated with amlodipine can be found on the NHS website here.
