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Levamlodipine is the active antihypertensive isomer of amlodipine. It blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle cells, causing the blood vessels to relax and widen. This reduces peripheral vascular resistance and lowers blood pressure.
After oral administration, levamlodipine reaches peak blood concentrations within approximately 6–12 hours. Food does not significantly affect its absorption. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, mainly through the CYP3A4 pathway, and is eliminated primarily through the urine.
L-Amlo contains levamlodipine, a calcium-channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). By lowering blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications such as stroke and heart attack. It may be prescribed alone or together with other blood-pressure medicines.
L-Amlo should be taken orally according to the dose prescribed by the doctor.
- Adults: Usual starting dose is 2.5 mg once daily.
- Maximum dose: 5 mg once daily.
- Elderly patients or those with liver impairment: Treatment may be started at 1.25 mg once daily.
- Dose adjustments are generally made according to blood pressure response, with approximately 7–14 days between dose increases.
- Children aged 6–17 years: The recommended dose is 1.25–2.5 mg once daily. Doses above 2.5 mg daily have not been adequately studied in this age group.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines may affect the action or blood levels of levamlodipine/amlodipine:
- CYP3A inhibitors may increase amlodipine exposure and may require dose adjustment.
- Amlodipine can increase blood levels of simvastatin; the simvastatin dose should generally not exceed 20 mg daily when used together.
- Amlodipine may increase levels of cyclosporine or tacrolimus, so monitoring may be required.
- Avoid grapefruit products and natural licorice unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take.
L-Amlo can be taken with or without food.
Contraindications
L-Amlo should not be used in people with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to amlodipine/levamlodipine or its ingredients.
Side Effects
Commonly reported side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Swelling (edema)
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Reflex increase in heart rate
Less common effects include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
Seek medical attention if severe breathing difficulty, marked swelling, fainting, or significant worsening of chest pain occurs.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Available information regarding amlodipine use during pregnancy is limited and does not clearly establish the risk to the fetus. Use during pregnancy should therefore be based on a doctor’s assessment of potential benefits and risks.
Amlodipine has been detected in breast milk, but available reports have not identified harmful effects in breastfed infants. Consult your doctor before using L-Amlo while breastfeeding.
Precautions & Warnings
L-Amlo should be used cautiously in patients with:
- Severe liver impairment
- Very low blood pressure
- Severe aortic stenosis
- Severe coronary artery disease
Patients with severe liver impairment may require slower dose adjustment because the medicine remains in the body longer.
In some patients with severe coronary artery disease, worsening angina or myocardial infarction may occur after starting treatment or increasing the dose.
Overdose
An excessive dose may cause significant widening of blood vessels, resulting in markedly low blood pressure and possibly a compensatory increase in heart rate. Suspected overdose requires prompt medical evaluation.
Therapeutic Class
Calcium-channel blockers
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.