Description
Istin contains amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine group. It relaxes and widens blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves the blood supply to the heart muscle, so it is licensed both for high blood pressure and for angina, including the form caused by coronary artery spasm. One tablet is taken once daily, with or without food, at about the same time each day.
Swelling of the ankles, flushing, headache and tiredness are recognised effects, and ankle swelling is more common at the higher dose. Amlodipine is not a treatment for an angina attack that has already started. Tell your prescriber if you have liver problems or heart failure, and if you take simvastatin, because the dose of that statin is limited when it is taken with amlodipine. Grapefruit juice can increase the effect and is best avoided.
- Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker containing amlodipine
- Licensed for high blood pressure and for angina
- Available in 5mg and 10mg tablets, taken once daily
- Ankle swelling, flushing and headache are recognised effects
- Not for treating an angina attack that has already started
- Simvastatin dose is limited when taken with amlodipine
