Amlodipine

Although genetic testing is important it is also very difficult to obtain for a specific situation or individual.
After a PCI I was proscribed Clopidogrel which is activated primarily after being metabolized by hepatic cytochrome CYP2C219 enzyme. Individual who lack this enzyme cannot metabolize clopidogrel and should be taking a different P2W12 platelet inhibitor.

The test has been available for this genetic variable for more than a decade but it is nearly impossible to get this test in most parts of the USA. As a result I chose to take ticagrelor instead as it is not affected by this genetic aspect.

Many people will develop blood clots who are taking clopidogrel but it is not going to be ascribed to this
medication being a prodrug that cannot be processed by the individual's liver. This is ignored by the majority of cardiologists who continue to proscribe clopidogrel to their PCI patients.

I just started Amlodipine first week of December 2025. So far no side effects.

@calson what is the relation to Amlodipine in your reply? Perhaps you posted to the wrong thread.

I was prescribed 5mg of Amlodipine for hypertension. Subsequently, it resulted in swelling of my ankles. My physician reduced the dosage to 2.5mg, which resolved the swelling. Additionally, it may cause dizziness and drowsiness.

Calcium channel blockers should be used with caution as they can interact with statins which many people are taking as well.
"Some statins (simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin) are metabolized by cytochrome P450s 3A4 (CYP3A4). Inhibitors of CYP3A4 including some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) might increase statin blood concentration, owing to drug–drug interactions. Risk of adverse events such as acute kidney injury might occur following the coprescription of CYP3A4-metabolized statins and CCBs that inhibit CYP3A4."

There are alternative blood pressure medication for those taking statins that would be much safer.

@deniseheart I took Amlodipine for three months after an ablation and it make me feel different. My thyroid test came back low and I developed a hack cough. My doctor told me the thyroid should come back normal in time, My cough is gone after two weeks being off A. It takes a long time, maybe months for it to clear your systems. It's said to be the best to get and keep you in NSR.

I have been on Amlodipine, 5mg, for about 10 years. About 4 years ago as BP readings crept up, dosage increased to 10 mg, but l significant ankle swelling almost immediately. My Dr reduced and added Losartan, 50mg. Swelling then reduced in ankles but has remained to some degree and my Dr is ok with that and I have learned to not notice swelling unless I am sitting down. I am aware that statins have side effects but have been on one since 04, currently simistatin. A lot of my ailments, aches and joint pain etc, are age related I’m sure, age 79, but the meds for me work as BP readings are good and cholesterol readings are good, total cholesterol is around 100. I have just learned to accept that at three months away from 80 some discomfort is just an everyday way of life.

I was given amlodipine a week before a cardio version and carried on as prescribed.this was in sep 2024. In April I was very ill….sick…. tired……not eating or drinking …. Bad cough etc ended up in a&e.
Oxygen level dangerously low.
Consultant checking medication I was on and IMMEDIATELY stopped the amlodipine and said it should have been stopped after the cardio version. I’m currently at home on oxygen as I was then diagnosed with ILD.
Interstitial lung disease my consultant says caused by the amlodipine. The doctor who prescribed it is skeptical.