Amlopine

Amlopine 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 calcium flow into smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls, causing blood vessels to relax and widen. This lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's workload. Unlike older CCBs such as Nifedipine, Amlodipine has a gradual onset of action that produces smoother, more consistent blood pressure reduction with less fluctuation.

Amlopine is available in two strengths: 5 mg for patients starting treatment, and 10 mg for those needing more intensive control.

Hypertension (high blood pressure): The primary indication. Can be used alone or combined with other antihypertensives. Reduces 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. Amlodipine also has antioxidant properties and promotes nitric oxide production, a natural vasodilator.

Take 1 tablet daily at the same time each day, with or without food. Many patients prefer morning or bedtime dosing — choose whatever is most convenient.

Starting treatment: Doctors typically begin with the lower dose and adjust upward. Patients with liver problems should start at the lowest dose. Elderly patients may be more sensitive and should also start low.

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 blood pressure medication on your own, even if you feel fine. Hypertension often has no symptoms. Stopping may cause blood pressure to rise again.

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

• Ankle or foot swelling — the most common side effect, more frequent at higher doses, 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, as the half-life may be prolonged
• Heart failure — use under medical supervision
• Elderly patients — may be more sensitive; start at the lowest dose
• Pregnancy — consult your doctor, limited data available
• Avoid grapefruit juice — may increase Amlodipine blood levels

Amlopine vs. Ambes (Amlodipine — GPO): Identical active ingredient (Amlodipine). Amlopine is manufactured by Berlin Pharmaceutical (250/350 THB), while Ambes is by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (150/200 THB). Both are Thai FDA-registered with GMP certification and clinically equivalent.

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

Amlopine 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, according to evidence from the Asian Pacific Heart Association.

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 rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus — Amlodipine may increase levels of these drugs

Amlodipine in Amlopine 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.

The drug has high bioavailability (60–80%). 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.

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

Can I buy Amlopine 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.