Amlodipine (for Hypertension) sideeffect? -

My mother is taking hypertension medication for more than 10years. Currently she s taking Amlodipine (Norvacs) 10mg per day. Understand from this website one of Norvacs side effect is quot;swelling of the legs or anklesquot;. And my mom experienced the same thing, especially after going for long trip distance. (Although not to sure whether it s relate to Norvacs or not). She has checked her kidney function and the result was fine. And accroding to her, when her legs /ankle were swelling she would feel uncomfortable. What is your advice?

First off, she may need an echocardiogram to see if her heart function is normal -- both systolic and diastolic dysfunction can cause edema (swelling of feet and ankles). Also in addition to kidney tests, liver function can effect edema. However, more likely than not, it is a side effect of the amlodipine. That is a frequent side effect of the amlodipine, a medication that otherwise is great--and effective at lowering blood pressure. If your mother cannot tolerate that side effect, then she may need to either switch to another blood pressure medication, or her doctor may wish to add another agent on top of the amlodipine, if her blood pressure is not controlled. Both ACE-inhibitors and diuretics decrease the amount of swelling caused by amlodipine. So my recommendation is that she see her doctor and tell him/her about the edema if it is bothering her that much. Amlodipine is a great drug, but if someone cannot tolerate it due to the side effect, then it is better to switch to another medication.