Amlodipine, sold as a generic drug or as the Katerzia and Norvasc brands, often causes ankle edema.
This is an abnormal swelling of tissues due to fluid buildup.
Why Amlodipine Causes Ankle Swelling
Amlodipine and other calcium channel blockers cause blood vessels to dilate.
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The dilation, in turn, lowers the blood pressure and improves blood flow throughout the body.
However, the improved blood flow can increase the pressure within smaller blood vessels called capillaries.
This can cause fluids to seep through the walls of the vessels into surrounding tissues.
For example, reported rates of edema at a dose of 2.5 milligrams (mg) were 1.8%.
That jumped to 10.8% at 10 mg doses.
The likelihood of edema increases the longer you take amlodipine.
How to Ease Ankle Swelling from Amlodipine
Edema from amlodipine can often be managed with at-home strategies.
Never take more than the recommended dose.
Do not induce vomiting unless a trained poison control professional tells you to do so.
Do not stop treatment without discussing it first.
Summary
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and angina.
Edema, or the abnormal swelling of tissue due to fluid build-up, is a side effect.
Although foot and ankle swelling is common, the hands and lower legs may also experience swelling.
Tell your healthcare provider about any edema.
Never stop or alter treatment without first speaking to your healthcare provider.
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