Amlobin: Effects on Hypertension and Potential Side Effects

The antihypertensive medication Amlobin?

Hello, my mother is 52 years old and has hypertension (it seems her blood lipid levels are also elevated).
She takes one tablet of Amlodipine (5mg) every morning.
According to the information on Amlodipine, it is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes the smooth muscle walls of blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.
However, can this really cure hypertension? The issue of high blood lipids has not improved, and does she have to keep taking medication to control her blood pressure? Also, why does this medication inhibit calcium from entering the heart and smooth muscle? Won't this deprive the heart of certain nutrients? She currently has mouth ulcers (many sores) and experiences pain when pinching her right finger joints, which makes me worry that these might be side effects of the medication.
Is it possible to have such side effects? I apologize for the mixed questions, and I hope the pharmacist can help clarify.
Thank you!

HYS, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/03/07

Dr. Liao Huiling reply Pharmacology

Hello! Regarding the issue you mentioned, here are the explanations:
1.
Amlodipine is primarily used for lowering blood pressure and does not directly address the problem of high cholesterol levels.

2.
Hypertension is a chronic condition that requires long-term medication management.
As of now, there is no medication that can cure hypertension after a short-term use.

3.
There are many antihypertensive medications available, classified based on their mechanisms of action.
Calcium channel blockers are one such class.
The drug's prescribing information explains how it achieves its blood pressure-lowering effect through its mechanism of action, so please do not have excessive concerns about this.
Especially since calcium channel blockers are commonly used in cardiovascular diseases, their safety has already been established prior to market approval, so you can be assured.

4.
Every medication has potential side effects, but the extent to which they occur can vary from person to person.
Regarding the issue of mouth ulcers, there is currently insufficient literature to indicate a direct correlation; however, some individuals have reported similar experiences.
Therefore, it is advisable to inform your physician about your family member's medication use for further evaluation on whether a change in medication is necessary.
Wishing you health and happiness!

Reply Date: 2009/03/07

More Info

Amlobin, which contains the active ingredient amlodipine, is a calcium channel blocker commonly prescribed for the management of hypertension (high blood pressure). It works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells, leading to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and a subsequent decrease in blood pressure. While Amlobin can effectively lower blood pressure, it is important to understand that it does not cure hypertension; rather, it is a treatment that helps manage the condition. Hypertension is often a chronic condition requiring long-term medication and lifestyle modifications to control.

Regarding your concerns about high blood lipids (cholesterol levels), it is essential to note that Amlobin is not designed to address lipid levels. If your mother has elevated cholesterol, her healthcare provider may recommend additional medications, such as statins, along with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help manage her lipid levels.

The mechanism by which calcium channel blockers like Amlobin work involves the reduction of calcium ion entry into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. Calcium is crucial for muscle contraction, including the heart muscle. By blocking calcium entry, Amlobin reduces the force of contraction of the heart and relaxes the smooth muscles in the blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure. This does not deprive the heart of essential nutrients; rather, it modulates the heart's workload and helps prevent complications associated with high blood pressure, such as heart failure and stroke.

As for the side effects, like any medication, Amlobin can cause adverse effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include swelling of the ankles or feet (peripheral edema), flushing, palpitations, and dizziness. The symptoms you mentioned, such as mouth sores and joint pain, are not commonly associated with Amlobin. However, if your mother is experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to consult her healthcare provider. They can evaluate whether these symptoms are related to her medication or if they may be due to another underlying condition.

Mouth sores can occur for various reasons, including stress, nutritional deficiencies, or other medical conditions. Joint pain could be related to arthritis or other musculoskeletal issues. It is essential to have a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of these symptoms and whether any adjustments to her medication regimen are necessary.

In summary, Amlobin is an effective medication for managing hypertension but does not cure the condition or address high cholesterol levels. It is important for your mother to continue regular follow-ups with her healthcare provider to monitor her blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and any side effects she may experience. Lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, are also vital components of managing hypertension and overall cardiovascular health. If there are any concerns about side effects or new symptoms, they should be discussed with her healthcare provider for appropriate management.

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