Ambes

Ambes is a blood pressure medication containing Amlodipine, a Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) of the Dihydropyridine subclass. Amlodipine was first approved by the US FDA in 1987 and has been used worldwide for over 30 years.

Amlodipine works by blocking the flow of calcium into smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls, causing blood vessels to relax and widen. This allows blood to flow more easily, reducing blood pressure and decreasing the workload on the heart.

Ambes is available in two strengths: 5 mg for patients starting treatment or with mild hypertension, and 10 mg for those requiring more intensive blood pressure control.

Hypertension (high blood pressure): The primary indication. Can be used alone or combined with other antihypertensives. Helps reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

Angina (chest pain): Both chronic stable angina and vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina. Improves blood flow to the heart muscle and reduces chest pain episodes.

Coronary artery disease (CAD): Reduces the risk of hospitalisation for angina and the need for coronary revascularisation surgery.

Take 1 tablet daily at the same time each day, with or without food.

Starting treatment: Doctors usually start with a lower dose and gradually increase based on response. Patients with liver problems should start at the lowest dose.

If you miss a dose: Missed by less than 12 hours — take immediately. Missed by more than 12 hours — skip and take the next dose as normal. Never take 2 tablets at once.

Important: Never stop taking blood pressure medication on your own, even if you feel fine. Hypertension often has no symptoms. Stopping suddenly may cause dangerous blood pressure spikes.

Common side effects (usually improve as your body adjusts):

• Ankle or foot swelling — the most common side effect, caused by dilation of small blood vessels in the lower limbs
• Headache
• Flushing (warmth, redness)
• Dizziness, fatigue
• Palpitations

Uncommon side effects:

• Nausea, abdominal pain
• Drowsiness
• Gum swelling (rare, with long-term use)

Warning signs — seek immediate medical attention:

• Severe chest pain or worsening after starting the medication
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of lips, face, or throat (severe allergic reaction)

Do not use:

• Allergy to Amlodipine or any Calcium Channel Blocker
• Severe hypotension (dangerously low blood pressure)
• Severe aortic stenosis

Use with caution:

• Liver disease — Amlodipine is metabolised in the liver; start low and titrate slowly
• Heart failure — use under medical supervision
• Elderly patients — may be more sensitive to the drug; start at the lowest dose
• Pregnancy — consult your doctor, limited data available
• Avoid grapefruit juice — may increase Amlodipine blood levels

Ambes (Amlodipine — CCB) vs. Anapril (Enalapril — ACE Inhibitor): Ambes does not cause dry cough, a common side effect of ACE Inhibitors. However, ACE Inhibitors offer better kidney protection for diabetic patients.

Ambes vs. Amlopine: Both contain identical Amlodipine. Ambes is manufactured by GPO (Thailand's Government Pharmaceutical Organization), while Amlopine is made by Berlin Pharmaceutical. Both are Thai FDA-registered.

Ambes vs. Loranta (Losartan — ARB): Losartan provides better kidney protection for diabetic patients and doesn't cause ankle swelling. However, Amlodipine achieves greater blood pressure reduction as monotherapy, especially in Asian patients.

Commonly combined (your doctor may prescribe together):

• ACE Inhibitors (e.g. Enalapril) or ARBs (e.g. Losartan) — improves blood pressure control and may reduce Amlodipine-related ankle swelling
• Diuretics (e.g. Hydrochlorothiazide) — standard combination therapy

Medications requiring caution:

• Other antihypertensives — may cause excessive blood pressure drop; doses must be adjusted by a doctor
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Diltiazem) — may increase Amlodipine blood levels
• Simvastatin — high-dose Simvastatin must not be used with Amlodipine due to increased risk of muscle breakdown
• Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus — Amlodipine may increase levels of these drugs

Amlodipine in Ambes provides blood pressure-lowering effects for more than 24 hours per dose, thanks to its exceptionally long half-life of 35–50 hours — the longest among all Dihydropyridine CCBs.

Blood levels peak within 6–12 hours after taking a dose. Steady state is reached after 7–8 days of daily use, so full effects take about 1–2 weeks to become apparent.

The long half-life means that even if you miss a dose, blood pressure won't rebound dangerously — a significant safety advantage for patients who occasionally forget.

Ambes is a pharmacist-dispensed medication. You can order online from Intimo Life.

Can I buy Ambes online?

Yes. Order through Intimo Life — select the product, consult with a licensed pharmacist online, and receive your medication at home. No need to visit a hospital.

Do I need a prescription?

A doctor's prescription is not required, but the medication must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. At Intimo Life, our pharmacist will review your health history, current medications, and blood pressure readings to confirm suitability before shipping.

How does Intimo Life ship orders?

We deliver nationwide in Thailand with discreet packaging — no product names on the outside.