General information about Amlodipine and Amlodipine Besylate
Amlodipine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart). It works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the workload on the heart.
Amlodipine besylate is the active ingredient in Amlodipine, but it is combined with besylate, a salt used to make the medication more stable. It is also used to treat hypertension and angina, but it is available in a tablet form. It is often used as a first-line treatment for hypertension, as well as for preventing heart attacks and strokes caused by hypertension.
Both Amlodipine and Amlodipine besylate are available by prescription and are available in various strengths. They are generally well-tolerated, but may cause side effects such as headache, swelling, and dizziness.
Difference Between Amlodipine and Amlodipine Besylate
Chemical Structure
Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means it blocks the movement of calcium ions into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to dilate, or widen, which in turn lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Amlodipine besylate is the active ingredient in Amlodipine combined with besylate, a salt used to make the medication more stable. The besylate salt is an ionic compound made up of amlodipine and a besylate anion. This salt form allows the medication to be more easily compressed into a tablet form and also helps to extend the shelf life of the medication.
The chemical structure of both Amlodipine and Amlodipine besylate are very similar and both have the same mechanism of action to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. The only difference is that Amlodipine besylate is a salt form of the medication which allows it to be compressed into a tablet form and extend the shelf life.
Mechanism of Action
Amlodipine and Amlodipine besylate both work by blocking the movement of calcium ions into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, which in turn lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Amlodipine works by specifically blocking the L-type calcium channels in the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels. This leads to a decrease in the contractility of the smooth muscle cells, which leads to vasodilation and blood pressure reduction.
Amlodipine besylate also works by the same mechanism as Amlodipine, by blocking the L-type calcium channels, which leads to a decrease in the contractility of the smooth muscle cells, causing vasodilation and blood pressure reduction. The only difference is that Amlodipine besylate is a salt form of Amlodipine, which allows it to be compressed into a tablet form and extend the shelf life.
Both drugs have a similar onset of action, typically taking effect within hours of dosing, and the duration of action can last for 24 hours.
Indications
Amlodipine and Amlodipine besylate are both indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart).
Amlodipine is also used to prevent certain types of heart attacks in people with a certain heart disease (coronary artery disease). It can be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications.
Amlodipine besylate is also used to prevent heart attacks and strokes caused by hypertension, as well as to treat hypertension and angina. It is often used as a first-line treatment for hypertension, and it can be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications.
Both drugs are also sometimes used “off-label” for other conditions such as migraines, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and aortic stenosis.
In general, both drugs can be used interchangeably for the treatment of hypertension and angina, with similar efficacy and safety profile. However, healthcare providers will consider factors such as the patient’s medical history, other medications taken, and individual response before deciding which medication is best for a patient.
Dosage
The recommended starting dosage for Amlodipine for hypertension is usually 5 mg once daily, with the maximum recommended dosage being 10 mg once daily. For angina, the recommended starting dosage is 2.5 mg once daily, with the maximum recommended dosage being 10 mg once daily. The dosage may be adjusted based on the individual patient’s response to treatment and blood pressure goals.
The recommended starting dosage for Amlodipine besylate for hypertension is also usually 5 mg once daily, with the maximum recommended dosage being 10 mg once daily. For angina, the recommended starting dosage is also 2.5 mg once daily, with the maximum recommended dosage being 10 mg once daily. The dosage may be adjusted based on the individual patient’s response to treatment and blood pressure goals.
It’s important to note that it may take 1-4 weeks for the full effect to be seen. Dosage adjustments should be made at intervals of at least 2 weeks.
It is important to follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by the healthcare provider and to not exceed the maximum recommended dosage. Also, it is important to continue taking the medication even if the symptoms improve, as hypertension often has no symptoms and stopping the medication could lead to a rebound in blood pressure.
Side Effects
Amlodipine and Amlodipine besylate is generally well-tolerated, but they may cause side effects in some patients. Some of the most common side effects of these drugs include:
- Headache
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet (peripheral edema)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Flushing
- Palpitations
Less common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Rash
In rare cases, these drugs may cause more serious side effects such as:
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Heart failure
- Liver problems
- Allergic reactions
It is important to report any side effects to the healthcare provider as soon as possible. If a side effect is serious or persistent, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or switch the patient to a different medication.
It is also important to note that Amlodipine and Amlodipine besylate may interact with certain other medications, such as blood thinners, so it’s important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications being taken before starting treatment with either of these drugs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amlodipine and Amlodipine besylate are both medications that belong to the class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. They are used to treat hypertension and angina, and are available in various strengths.
The main difference between the two drugs is that Amlodipine besylate is the active ingredient in Amlodipine combined with besylate, a salt used to make the medication more stable and compress it into a tablet form. Both have a similar mechanisms of action, indications, dosage, and side effects.
Both drugs are generally well-tolerated but may cause side effects in some patients. It is important to follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by the healthcare provider and to inform them of any side effects or other medications being taken.
Overall, understanding the differences between Amlodipine and Amlodipine besylate can help patients and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about which medication to use in different situations, and ensure that the treatment is safe and effective.
