Amlodipine tablets may vary in strength and some of them contain other medications as well. There are numerous manufacturers of this drug, which is used to treat hypertension and certain forms of angina, and this means people can expect considerable variation in the appearance of tablets. The medicine may also be available in a capsule form, especially if it is mixed with other drugs.
Most amlodipine tablets are available in two basic strengths. These are 5 milligram (mg) and 10 mg pills. Even if the drug is mixed with other active ingredients it is still likely to be included at one of these strengths. The appropriate amount and the frequency of dosage depend on individual response and a person’s underlying health condition.
There is significant variation in the actual appearance of 5 mg and 10 mg amlodipine tablets. They might be any one of a number of colors, including white. Common shapes are round, square, or elliptical. Sometimes the shape is even more unusual, and the pills could be triangular or hexagonal. Suppliers may score the tablets for easy splitting or they could be unscored and simply imprinted with information about the manufacturer, the medication, and the dose.
Since there are so many suppliers of amlodipine tablets, slight differences in inactive ingredients should be expected. If patients are sensitive to certain things like dyes or lactose, they may be able to find a supplier that doesn’t use these ingredients. This can take work, but pharmacists are often able to help.
As stated, amlodipine tablets may contain other active ingredients. Some of the common medications that are added include hydrochlorothiazide, valesartan, or atorvastatin. Alternately olmesartan, telmisartan or aliskiren could be combined with amlodipine. Sometimes two drugs are added to amlodipine tablets and these are generally hydrochlorothiazide and either olmesartan or valesartan.
These additions increase the functionality of amlodipine. Hydrochlorothiazide reduces water retention. Olmesartan, telmisartan, aliskiren, and valesartan can create a stronger blood pressure reducer when they are taken with amlodipine. Atorvastatin reduces cholesterol and heart attack risk. These combination medications are likely to have differences in appearances too, depending on who makes and supplies them.
Occasionally, amlodipine is manufactured in a non-tablet form — for example, in capsules. The principal difference is that a capsule usually cannot be split. In some cases, patients are directed to open capsules and sprinkle them on food, but this should only be attempted if a doctor advises it.
