Episode #41: amlodipine (Norvasc) | Podcast Show Notes
amlodipine (am LOE di peen)
Below will be links for the full Podcast and the Drug Card for amlodipine along with a brief summary of various points on amlodipine.
QUESTIONS:
- True or False. Amlodipine is not appropriate in pediatric patients due to the duration of action still being seen at 72 hours of discontinuation.
- Select all that apply. Which of the following dosing regimens is inappropriate for adults with hypertension.
- A). 2.5 mg PO tid
- B). 5 mg PO bid
- C). 7.5 mg PO qd
- D). 10 mg PO qd
- E). All of the above
- Describe the MOA for amlodipine.
- Select all that apply. Which of the following are true regarding the pharmacology of amlodipine?
- A). The half-life elimination is uniphasic between 8-12 hours
- B). The half-life elimination is biphasic between 30-50 hours
- C). Antihypertensive effects are seen in 6-8 hours
- D). Antihypertensive effects are seen in 24-48 hours
- E). The time to peak is between 6-12 hours
SUMMARY:
Amlodipine is an antianginal antihypertensive agent also known as Norvasc. It is indicated for hypertension and various types of angina. In adults when treating hypertension the general dosing range is between 5-10 mg PO qd. When treating angina the general dosing range is also between 5-10 mg PO qd. Amlodipine is also indicated in pediatrics when treating hypertension. In patients between 1-5 years of age, dosing is initiated at 0.1-0.6 mg/kg/dose PO qd with a max of 5 mg/day. Between the ages of 6-17 years of age dosing is initiated at 2.5-5 mg PO qd with a max of 10 mg/day. Amlodipine should be used with caution in the elderly, patients with hepatic impairment, and patients with severe CAD. Common side effects are dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, lightheartedness, swelling ankles/feet, and flushing. If experiencing orthostatic hypotension get up slowly if getting up from a sitting or lying down position.
ANSWERS:
- False. Treating hypertension is an “on-label” indication in the pediatric patient population regardless of duration of action.
- Only C and D are correct. Dose frequency is qd (every day) and not bid (twice daily) or tid (three times daily)
- Calcium ions are inhibited from entering slow channel areas of vascular smooth muscle and myocardium during depolarization. This increases oxygen delivery to the myocardium and causes arterial vasodilation in vascular smooth muscle which decreases BP and peripheral vascular resistance.
- B, D, and E are correct.
PDF of Drug Card: amlodipine
