Consumer medicine information

Blooms the Chemist Amlodipine

Amlodipine

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Blooms the Chemist Amlodipine

Active ingredient

Amlodipine

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Blooms the Chemist Amlodipine.

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about amlodipine. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may want to read it again.

What this medicine is used for

Amlodipine is used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension) or treat angina. It belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers.

How it works

Amlodipine works by widening your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around the body and help increase the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another reason.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

There is not enough information to recommend using amlodipine in children.

Before you take this medicine

When you must not take it

Do not take this medicine if you have an allergy to:

  • amlodipine
  • other calcium channel blockers
  • or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

  • shortness of breath
  • wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body
  • rash, itching or hives on the skin

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to take it

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:

  • liver problems
  • heart disease, heart failure

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Do not take this medicine until you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits involved.

Tell your doctor if you are planning to have surgery, dental treatment or an anaesthetic.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking this medicine.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interact with amlodipine. These include:

  • other medicines used to treat angina (e.g. diltiazem)
  • some medicines used to treat infections (e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin, ketoconazole, itraconazole)
  • anti-proteases used to treat HIV infection (e.g. ritonavir)
  • simvastatin, used to lower cholesterol
  • cyclosporin or tacrolimus, used to suppress the immune system
  • St John's Wort

These medicines may be affected by this medicine or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.

Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.

Other medicines not listed above may also interact with amlodipine.

How to take this medicine

Follow carefully all directions given to you by your doctor. They may differ to the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How much to take

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take each day, depending on your condition and whether you are taking other medicines.

The usual dose of is one 5 mg tablet each day. Your doctor may increase this to one 10 mg tablet each day.

How to take it

Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.

When to take it

Take this medicine at about the same time each day. Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.

It does not matter if you take this medicine with or without food.

How long to take it for

Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you. This medicine helps to control your condition but does not cure it. It is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.

Make sure you have enough to last over weekends and holidays.

If you forget to take it

If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Otherwise take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for missed doses. This may increase the chance of you experiencing side effects.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

While you are taking this medicine

Things you must do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking this medicine.

Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you take this medicine.

If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine, tell your doctor immediately.

Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked. Your doctor may occasionally do tests to make sure the medicine is working and to prevent side effects.

Things you must not do

Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Do not take your medicine to treat any other complaint unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.

Do not stop taking your medicine, or change the dosage, without first checking with your doctor.

Things to be careful of

Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how amlodipine affects you. Amlodipine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people and affect alertness. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Avoid eating large quantities of grapefruit or drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can alter the metabolism of amlodipine. Drinking very large quantities (over 1.2 litres) of grapefruit juice each day while taking amlodipine may increase the effects of this medicine.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking amlodipine.

This medicine helps most people, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not.

Do not be alarmed by the lists of side effects. You may not experience any of them.

If you are 65 years or older, you should be especially careful while taking amlodipine. Report any side effects promptly to your doctor. Some people in this age group may be more likely to experience side effects such as swelling of the feet and ankles, muscle cramps and dizziness.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • flushing
  • tiredness, drowsiness or sleepiness
  • stomach pain or nausea.

The above list includes the more common side effects. Mostly, these are mild.

Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • indigestion
  • sexual problems

These may or may not be due to amlodipine, but you should tell your doctor.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

  • changes in heartbeat, either fast or slow
  • swelling of the ankles, feet, face or hands
  • tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
  • dizziness or light-headedness on standing up from a sitting or lying position
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • muscle cramps or aches, joint pain
  • eye pain, vision changes
  • mood changes, feeling anxious or nervous
  • itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark-coloured urine (signs of liver disease)
  • unusual movements, including trembling and shaking of the hands and fingers, twisting movements of the body, shuffling walk and stiffness of the arms and legs

The above list includes serious side effects and you may need medical attention.

If you experience any of the following, stop taking your medicine and contact your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:

  • shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin (symptoms of an allergic reaction)
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • chest pain
  • chest pain associated with exertion (angina) that lasts longer, is more severe or occurs more often
  • shortness of breath
  • severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting

The above list includes very serious side effects and you may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell. Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients.

Storage and disposal

Storage

Keep your medicine in its pack until it is time to take it. If you take your medicine out of its pack it may not keep well.

Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Do not store your medicine, or any other medicine, in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep this medicine where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine left over.

Product description

What it looks like

2.5 mg tablets: white to off-white, round, unscored, engraved tablets "APO" on one side and "AML" over "2.5" on the other side.

AUST R 135126.

5 mg tablets: white to off-white, round, scored tablets, engraved "AML" over score "5" on one side and "APO" on the other side.

AUST R 135127.

10 mg tablets: white to off-white, round, unscored tablets, engraved "APO" on one side and "AML" over "10" on the other side.

AUST R 135128.

Available in blister packs and bottles of 30 tablets.

Not all strengths, pack types and/or pack sizes may be available.

Ingredients

Each tablet contains 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg as the active ingredient.

It also contains the following:

  • lactose
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • maize starch
  • magnesium stearate

This medicine does not contain, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

Sponsor

Apotex Pty Ltd
16 Giffnock Avenue
Macquarie Park NSW 2113

This leaflet was prepared in February 2019.

Published by MIMS April 2019

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Blooms the Chemist Amlodipine

Active ingredient

Amlodipine

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Amlodipine besilate.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Each tablet contains 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg of amlodipine (as besilate) as the active ingredient.

Excipients with known effect.

Lactose monohydrate.
For the full list of excipients see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

2.5 mg tablets.

White to off-white, round, unscored tablets. Engraved APO on one side and "AML" over "2.5" on the other side.

5 mg tablet.

White to off-white, round, scored tablets. Engraved "AML" over score "5" on one side, "APO" on the other side.

10 mg tablet.

White to off-white, round, unscored tablets. Engraved APO on one side and "AML" over "10" on the other side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Hypertension.

Amlodipine is indicated for the first line treatment of hypertension and can be used as the sole agent to control blood pressure in the majority of patients. Patients not adequately controlled on a single antihypertensive agent may benefit from the addition of amlodipine, which has been used in combination with a thiazide diuretic, beta adrenoceptor blocking agent or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor.

Angina.

Amlodipine is indicated for the first line treatment of chronic stable angina. Amlodipine may be used alone, as monotherapy or in combination with other antianginal drugs.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Blooms the Chemist Amlodipine tablets are intended for oral administration.

Dosage.

For hypertension or angina the usual initial dose is 2.5 to 5 mg once daily which may be increased to a maximum dose of 10 mg depending on the individual patient's response.
Small, fragile or elderly individuals, or patients with hepatic insufficiency should be started on 2.5 mg once daily and this dose may be used when adding amlodipine to other antihypertensive therapy.
Dosage should be adjusted according to each patient's need. In general, titration should proceed over 7 to 14 days so that the physician can fully assess the patient's response to each dose level. Titration may proceed more rapidly, however, if clinically warranted, provided the patient is assessed frequently. See Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects) for information related to dosage and side effects.

Co-administration with other antihypertensive and/or antianginal drugs.

Amlodipine has been safely administered with thiazides, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, long-acting nitrates, and/or sublingual nitroglycerin.
No dose adjustment of amlodipine is required upon concomitant administration of thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, long-acting nitrates and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

4.3 Contraindications

Amlodipine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to amlodipine, other dihydropyridines, or any of the inactive ingredients.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Increased angina.

Rarely patients, particularly those with severe obstructive coronary artery disease, have developed documented increased frequency, duration and/or severity of angina on starting calcium channel blocker therapy or at the time of dosage increase. The mechanism of this effect has not been elucidated.

Outflow obstruction (aortic stenosis).

Amlodipine should be used with caution in the presence of a fixed left ventricular outflow obstruction (aortic stenosis).

Use in patients with congestive heart failure.

In general, calcium channel blockers should be used with caution in patients with heart failure. Amlodipine (5-10 mg per day) has been studied in a placebo-controlled trial of 1153 patients with NYHA Class III or IV heart failure on stable doses of ACE inhibitor, digoxin and diuretics. Follow-up was at least 6 months, with a mean of about 14 months. There was no overall adverse effect on survival or cardiac morbidity (as defined by life-threatening arrhythmia, acute myocardial infarction, or hospitalisation for worsened heart failure). Amlodipine has been compared to placebo in four 8-12 week studies of patients with NYHA class II/III heart failure, involving a total of 697 patients. In these studies, there was no evidence of worsened heart failure based on measures of exercise tolerance, NYHA classification, symptoms, or LVEF.

Beta-blocker withdrawal.

Amlodipine is not a beta-blocker and therefore provides no protection against the dangers of abrupt beta-blocker withdrawal; any such withdrawal should be by gradual reduction of the dose of beta-blocker.

Use in hepatic impairment.

There are no adequate studies in patients with liver dysfunction and dosage recommendations have not been established. In a small number of patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment given single doses of 5 mg, amlodipine half-life has been prolonged. Worsening of liver function test values may occur. Amlodipine should, therefore, be administered with caution in these patients and careful monitoring should be performed. A lower starting dose may be required (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Use in renal impairment.

Amlodipine is extensively metabolised to inactive metabolites with 10% excreted as unchanged drug in the urine. Changes in amlodipine plasma concentrations are not correlated with the degree of renal impairment. Amlodipine may be used at normal doses in patients with renal failure.
Amlodipine is not dialysable.

Peripheral oedema.

Mild to moderate peripheral oedema was the most common adverse event in the clinical trials (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). The incidence of peripheral oedema was dose-dependent and ranged in frequency from 3.0 to 10.8% in 5 to 10 mg dose range. Care should be taken to differentiate this peripheral oedema from the effects of increasing left ventricular dysfunction.

Use in the elderly.

In elderly patients (≥ 65 years) clearance of amlodipine is decreased with a resulting increase in AUC. In clinical trials the incidence of adverse events in elderly patients was approximately 6% higher than that of younger population (< 65 years). Adverse reactions include oedema, muscle cramps and dizziness. Amlodipine should be used cautiously in elderly patients.

Paediatric use.

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Amlodipine has been safely administered with thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, long-acting nitrates, sublingual nitroglycerine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and oral hypoglycaemic drugs.
Special studies have indicated that the co-administration of amlodipine with digoxin did not change serum digoxin levels or digoxin renal clearance in healthy volunteers, and that co-administration of cimetidine did not alter the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine; and that co-administration with warfarin did not change the warfarin prothrombin response time.
In vitro data from studies with human plasma indicate that amlodipine has no effect on protein binding of the drugs tested (digoxin, phenytoin, warfarin or indomethacin).

Simvastatin.

Co-administration of multiple doses of amlodipine and simvastatin resulted in an increase in exposure to simvastatin compared to simvastatin alone. The Product Information for simvastatin should be reviewed for the appropriate dose of simvastatin when the patient is prescribed amlodipine concurrently.

Grapefruit juice.

Grapefruit juice is known to inhibit the cytochrome P450 system, thereby affecting the pharmacokinetics of drugs such as calcium channel blockers. Administration of amlodipine with grapefruit or grapefruit juice is not recommended as bioavailability may be increased in some patients resulting in increased blood pressure lowering effects.

CYP3A4 inhibitors.

With concomitant use with the CYP3A4 inhibitor erythromycin in young patients and diltiazem in elderly patients, the plasma concentration of amlodipine was increased. The clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain. It cannot be ruled out that strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) may increase the plasma concentrations of amlodipine to a greater extent than diltiazem. Amlodipine should be used with caution when administered with CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Clarithromycin.

Clarithromycin is an inhibitor of CYP3A4. There is an increased risk of hypotension in patients receiving clarithromycin with amlodipine. Close observation of patients is recommended when amlodipine is co-administered with clarithromycin.

CYP3A4 inducers.

There are no data available regarding the effect of CYP3A4 inducers on amlodipine. The concomitant use of CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampicin, Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort)) may decrease the plasma concentrations of amlodipine. Amlodipine should be used with caution when administered with CYP3A4 inducers.

Aluminium/ magnesium (antacid).

Co-administration of an aluminium/magnesium antacid with a single dose of amlodipine had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine.

Sildenafil.

A single 100 mg dose of sildenafil in 16 patients with essential hypertension had no effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters of amlodipine. When amlodipine and sildenafil were used in combination, each agent independently exerted its own blood pressure lowering effect.

Atorvastatin.

Co-administration of multiple 10 mg doses of amlodipine with 80 mg of atorvastatin resulted in no significant change in the steady state pharmacokinetic parameters of atorvastatin.

Ethanol (alcohol).

Single and multiple 10 mg doses of amlodipine had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of ethanol.

Cyclosporin.

No drug interaction studies have been conducted with cyclosporin and amlodipine in healthy volunteers or other populations, with the exception of renal transplant patients. Various studies in renal transplant patients report that co-administration of amlodipine with cyclosporin affects the trough concentrations of cyclosporin, and consideration should be given for monitoring cyclosporin levels in renal transplant patients on amlodipine.

Tacrolimus.

There is a risk of increased tacrolimus blood levels when co-administered with amlodipine. In order to avoid toxicity of tacrolimus, administration of amlodipine in a patient treated with tacrolimus requires monitoring of tacrolimus blood levels and dose adjustment of tacrolimus when appropriate.

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors.

mTOR inhibitors, such as sirolimus, temsirolimus and everolimus are CYP3A substrates. Amlodipine is a weak CYP3A inhibitor. Concomitant use of mTOR inhibitors and amlodipine may increase exposure of mTOR inhibitors.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

In animal studies, amlodipine did not affect fertility in rats at oral doses up to 18 mg/kg (base).
(Category C)
Calcium channel blockers carry the potential to produce foetal hypoxia associated with maternal hypotension. Accordingly they should not be used in pregnant women unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the foetus.
The safety of amlodipine in human pregnancy or lactation has not been established. In animal studies, amlodipine at oral doses up to 18 mg/kg (base) had no teratogenic effects in rats (18 mg/kg) or rabbits (10 mg/kg). Amlodipine (10 mg/kg as besilate salt, 7 mg/kg base), administered orally to rats at or near parturition induced a prolongation of gestation time, an increase in the number of stillbirths and a decreased postnatal survival.
Experience in humans indicates that amlodipine is transferred into human breast milk.
Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with amlodipine.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Amlodipine has been evaluated for safety in more than 11000 patients in clinical trials worldwide.
In general, treatment with amlodipine was well-tolerated at doses up to 10 mg daily. Most adverse events reported during therapy with amlodipine were of mild or moderate severity.
In controlled clinical trials directly comparing amlodipine (N=1730) in doses up to 10 mg to placebo (N=1250), discontinuation of amlodipine due to adverse reactions was required in only about 1.5% of patients and was not significantly different from placebo (about 1%).
Amlodipine therapy has not been associated with clinically significant changes in routine laboratory tests. No clinically relevant changes were noted in serum potassium, serum glucose, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen or creatinine or liver function tests.
The most common side effects are headache and oedema. The incidence (%) of side effects which occurred in a dose-related manner is listed in Table 1.
Other adverse experiences which were not clearly dose related but which were reported with an incidence greater than 1.0% in placebo-controlled clinical trials include the following. See Table 2.
The following events occurred in ≤ 1% but > 0.1% of patients in controlled clinical trials or under conditions of open trials or marketing experience where a causal relationship is uncertain; they are listed to alert the physician to a possible relationship.

Blood and lymphatic system.

Leucopenia, thrombocytopenia.

Cardiac disorders.

Tachycardia.

Ear and labyrinth disorders.

Tinnitus, vertigo.

Eye disorders.

Abnormal vision, conjunctivitis, diplopia, eye pain.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Altered bowel habits, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, dyspepsia*, dysphagia, flatulence, gingival hyperplasia, pancreatitis, vomiting.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Asthenia*, malaise, pain, rigors, thirst.

Immune system disorders.

Allergic reactions.

Investigations.

Weight gain.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Anorexia, hyperglycaemia.

Musculo-skeletal and connective tissue disorder.

Arthralgia, arthrosis, back pain, muscle cramps*, myalgia.

Nervous system disorders.

Hypoesthesia, paresthesia, peripheral neuropathy, postural dizziness, syncope, tremor.

Psychiatric disorders.

Abnormal dreams, anxiety, depersonalisation, depression, insomnia, mood changes, nervousness.

Renal and urinary disorders.

Micturition disorder, micturition frequency, nocturia.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Gynaecomastia, sexual dysfunction (male* and female).

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Dyspnoea*, epistaxis.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorder.

Alopecia, angioedema, pruritus*, purpura, rash*, rash erythematous, rash maculopapular, sweating increased.

Vascular disorders.

Hot flushes, hypotension, peripheral ischaemia, postural hypotension, vasculitis.
* These events occurred in less than 1% of patients in placebo controlled trials, but the incidence of these adverse effects was between 1% and 2% in all multiple dose studies.
The following events occurred in 0.1% of patients: cardiac failure, pulse irregularity, extrasystoles, skin discolouration, urticaria, skin dryness, dermatitis, erythema multiforme, muscle weakness, twitching, ataxia, hypertonia, migraine, cold and clammy skin, apathy, agitation, amnesia, gastritis, increased appetite, loose stools, coughing, rhinitis, dysuria, polyuria, parosmia, taste perversion, abnormal visual accommodation, xerophthalmia and weight decrease.
As with other calcium channel blockers the following adverse events have been rarely reported and cannot be distinguished from the natural history of the underlying disease: myocardial infarction, arrhythmia (including bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation) and chest pain.

Post-marketing experience.

There have been infrequent, post marketing reports of hepatitis, jaundice and hepatic enzyme elevations (mostly consistent with cholestasis). Some cases severe enough to require hospitalisation have been reported in association with use of amlodipine. In many instances, causal association is uncertain.
There have been post-marketing reports of extrapyramidal disorder in association with use of amlodipine.
Amlodipine has been used safely in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, well compensated congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus and abnormal lipid profiles.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems and contact Apotex Medical Information Enquiries/Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting on 1800 195 055.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms.

Available data suggest that overdose might be expected to cause excessive peripheral vasodilation with marked hypotension and possibly a reflex tachycardia. Dysrhythmias may occur following overdose with any calcium antagonist. Hypotension and bradycardia are usually seen within 1 to 5 hours following overdose. Hypotension can persist for longer than 24 hours despite treatment. Cardiac rhythm disturbances have been noted to persist for up to 7 days. Marked and probably prolonged systemic hypotension up to and including shock with fatal outcome have been reported.
Reports of intentional overdose include a patient who ingested 250 mg and was asymptomatic and was not hospitalised; another (120 mg) was hospitalised, underwent gastric lavage and remained normotensive; a third one (105 mg) was hospitalised and had hypotension (90/50 mmHg) which normalised following plasma expansion. Death resulted from a mixed overdose of 140 mg and 10 mefenamic acid capsules in a 15-year old girl, and from a mixed overdose of amlodipine 70 mg and an unknown quantity of oxazepam in a 63-year old woman. A case of accidental drug overdose has been documented in a 19 month old male who ingested 30 mg amlodipine (about 2 mg/kg). During the emergency room presentation, vital signs were stable with no evidence of hypotension, but a heart rate of 180 bpm.

Treatment.

If massive overdose should occur, active cardiac and respiratory monitoring should be instituted. Frequent blood pressure measurements are essential. Should hypotension occur, cardiovascular support including elevation of the extremities and the judicious administration of fluids should be initiated. If hypotension remains unresponsive to these conservative measures, administration of vasopressors (such as phenylephrine), should be considered with attention to circulating volume and urine output. Intravenous calcium may help to reverse the effects of calcium entry blockade.
Administration of activated charcoal to healthy volunteers immediately or up to 2 hours after ingestion of amlodipine 10 mg has been shown to significantly decrease amlodipine absorption. In patients who are not fully conscious or have impaired gag reflex, consideration should be given to administering activated charcoal via nasogastric tube once the airway is protected. Ipecac-emesis is not recommended since haemodynamic instability and CNS depression may rapidly develop*.
Since amlodipine is highly protein-bound, dialysis is not likely to be of benefit.
* For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Amlodipine is a calcium ion influx inhibitor (slow channel blocker or calcium ion antagonist) and inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle.
Experimental data suggest that amlodipine binds to both dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine binding sites. The contractile processes of cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle are dependent upon the movement of extracellular calcium ions into these cells through specific ion channels. Amlodipine inhibits calcium ion influx across cell membranes selectively, with a greater effect on vascular smooth muscle cells than on cardiac muscle cells. Negative inotropic effects can be detected in vitro but such effects have not been seen in intact animals at therapeutic doses. Serum calcium concentration is not affected by amlodipine. Within the physiologic pH range, amlodipine is an ionised compound (pKa=8.6), and its kinetic interaction with the calcium channel receptor is characterised by a gradual rate of association and dissociation with the receptor binding site, resulting in a gradual onset of effect.
Amlodipine is a peripheral arterial vasodilator that acts directly on vascular smooth muscle to cause a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and reduction in blood pressure. The precise mechanism by which amlodipine relieves angina has not been fully determined but amlodipine reduces the total ischaemic burden by the following two actions:
1. Amlodipine dilates peripheral arterioles and thus reduces the total peripheral resistance (afterload) against which the heart works. Since the heart rate remains stable, this unloading of the heart reduces myocardial energy consumption and oxygen requirements.
2. Amlodipine has been shown to block constriction in main coronary arteries and coronary arterioles, induced by calcium, potassium, adrenaline, serotonin and thromboxane A2 analogue both in normal and in ischaemic regions.

Haemodynamics.

Following administration of therapeutic doses to patients with hypertension, amlodipine produces vasodilation resulting in a reduction of supine and standing blood pressures. These decreases in blood pressure are not accompanied by a significant change in heart rate or plasma catecholamine levels with chronic dosing. Although the acute intravenous administration of amlodipine decreased arterial blood pressure and increased heart rate in haemodynamic studies of patients with chronic stable angina, chronic administration of oral amlodipine in clinical trials did not lead to clinically significant changes in heart rate or blood pressures in normotensive patients with angina.
With chronic once daily oral administration, antihypertensive effectiveness is maintained for at least 24 hours. Plasma concentrations correlate with effect in both young and elderly patients.
The magnitude of reduction in blood pressure with amlodipine is also correlated with the height of pretreatment elevation; thus, individuals with moderate hypertension (diastolic pressure 105-114 mmHg) had about a 50% greater response than patients with mild hypertension (diastolic pressure 90-104 mmHg). Normotensive subjects experienced no clinically significant change in blood pressures (+1/-2 mmHg).
As with other calcium channel blockers, haemodynamic measurements of cardiac function at rest and during exercise (or pacing) in patients with normal ventricular function treated with amlodipine have generally demonstrated a small increase in cardiac index without significant influence on dP/dt or on left ventricular end diastolic pressure or volume. In haemodynamic studies, amlodipine has not been associated with a negative inotropic effect when administered in the therapeutic dose range to intact animals and man, even when co-administered with beta-blockers to man. Similar findings, however, have been observed in normals or well-compensated patients with heart failure with agents possessing significant negative inotropic effects.
In hypertensive patients with normal renal function, therapeutic doses of amlodipine resulted in a decrease in renal vascular resistance and an increase in glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow without change in filtration fraction or proteinuria.

Clinical trials.

Studies in patients with congestive heart failure.

Amlodipine has been compared to placebo in four 8-12 weeks studies of patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II/III heart failure, involving a total of 697 patients. Although efficacy in regard to the primary and secondary endpoints was not demonstrated, there was no evidence of worsened heart failure based on measures of exercise tolerance, NYHA classification, symptoms, or LVEF. In a long-term (follow-up at least 6 months, mean 13.8 months) placebo-controlled mortality/morbidity study of amlodipine 5-10 mg in 1153 patients with NYHA classes III (n=931) or IV (n=222) heart failure on stable doses of diuretics, digoxin, and ACE inhibitors, amlodipine had no effect on the primary endpoint of the study which was the combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and cardiac morbidity (as defined by life-threatening arrhythmia, acute myocardial infarction, or hospitalisation for worsened heart failure), or on NYHA classification, or symptoms of heart failure. Total combined all-cause mortality and cardiac morbidity events were 222/571 (39%) for patients on amlodipine and 246/583 (42%) for patients on placebo: the cardiac morbid events represented about 25% of the endpoints in the study.
In this study amlodipine was associated with increased reports of pulmonary oedema despite no significant difference in the incidence of worsening heart failure compared to placebo.

Electrophysiologic effects.

Amlodipine does not change sinoatrial nodal function or atrioventricular conduction in intact animals or man. In patients with chronic stable angina, intravenous administration of 10 mg of amlodipine and a further 10 mg of amlodipine after a 30 minute interval produced peripheral vasodilation and afterload reduction, but did not significantly alter A-H and H-V conduction and sinus node recovery time after pacing. Similar results were obtained in patients receiving amlodipine and concomitant beta-blockers. In clinical studies in which amlodipine was administered in combination with beta-blockers to patients with either hypertension or angina, no adverse events on electrocardiographic parameters were observed.
In clinical trials with angina patients alone, amlodipine therapy did not alter electrocardiographic intervals or produce higher degrees of AV blocks.

Effects in hypertension.

In patients with hypertension once daily dosing provides clinically significant reductions in blood pressure in both the supine and standing positions throughout the 24 hour interval post dose. Due to the slow onset of action, acute hypotension is not a feature of amlodipine administration. The blood pressure effect is maintained over the 24 hour dosing interval, with little difference in peak and trough effect. Tolerance has not been demonstrated in patients studied for up to 1 year. Effects on diastolic pressure were similar in young and older patients. The effect on systolic pressure was greater in older patients, perhaps because of greater baseline systolic pressure.

Effects in chronic stable angina.

In patients with angina, once daily administration of amlodipine increases total exercise time to angina onset and total work time to 1 mm ST segment depression and decreases both angina attack frequency and nitroglycerine tablet consumption. The sustained efficacy of amlodipine in angina patients has been demonstrated over long-term dosing. In patients with angina there were no clinically significant reductions in blood pressures (4/1 mmHg) or changes in heart rate (+0.3 bpm).

Other.

In clinical trials amlodipine has shown no harmful effect on lipid levels. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers have not been associated with any adverse metabolic effects and are suitable for use in patients with asthma, diabetes and gout.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

After oral administration of therapeutic doses, amlodipine is well absorbed with peak blood levels between 6-12 hours post-dose. This may reflect significant initial uptake by the liver, followed by a phase of redistribution. This interval is shorter (2-8 hours) in patients with hepatic insufficiency.

Distribution.

Absolute bioavailability has been estimated to be between 64 and 90%. The bioavailability of amlodipine is not altered by the presence of food.
The volume of distribution is approximately 20 L/kg.
In vitro studies have shown that approximately 97.5% of circulating amlodipine is bound to plasma proteins.

Metabolism.

Amlodipine is extensively metabolised by the liver to inactive metabolites with 10% of the parent compound and 60% of metabolites excreted in the urine.

Excretion.

The terminal plasma elimination half life is about 35-50 hours and is consistent with once daily dosing. Steady state plasma levels are reached after 7-8 days of consecutive dosing.

Special populations.

Elderly (≥ 65 years).

In elderly hypertensive patients (mean age 69 years) there was a decrease in clearance of amlodipine from plasma as compared to young volunteers (mean age 36 years) with a resulting increase in the area under the curve (AUC) of about 60%.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No data available.

Carcinogenicity.

The carcinogenic potential of amlodipine has not been fully elucidated. Amlodipine did not induce any tumours when tested in rats at oral doses up to 2.5 mg/kg. This dose gave rise to plasma levels that are similar to those achieved clinically.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, magnesium stearate.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C. Store in the original package.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Blooms the Chemist Amlodipine 2.5 mg tablets.

Blister pack (Al/PVC/PVDC) of 30 tablets.
AUST R: 135126.

Blooms the Chemist Amlodipine 5 mg tablets.

Blister pack (Al/PVC/PVDC) of 30 tablets.
AUST R: 135127.

Blooms the Chemist Amlodipine 10 mg tablets.

Blister pack (Al/PVC/PVDC) of 30 tablets.
AUST R: 135128.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Amlodipine besilate is a dihydropyridine derivative.
Amlodipine besilate is a white crystalline powder and is slightly soluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol.
Chemical Name: 3-ethyl 5-methyl (4RS)-2-[(2-aminoethoxy)methyl]- 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl- 1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate benzenesulfonate.
Molecular Formula: C20H25ClN2O5.C6H6O3S.
Molecular Weight: 567.1 (free base 408.9).

Chemical structure.


CAS number.

111470-99-6.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4.

Summary Table of Changes