Amlodipine vs. Felodipine: Comparing Blood Pressure Medications
Amlodipine (NORLIQVA) and Felodipine are both calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure, and sometimes other heart conditions. While they work similarly to relax blood vessels, there are differences in their uses, dosing, and specific considerations that might make one a better choice for you.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Amlodipine Besylate | Felodipine |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker | Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker |
| Primary Use | High blood pressure (adults and children 6+), angina, coronary artery disease | High blood pressure |
| Dosing Frequency | Typically once daily | Typically once daily (extended-release formulation) |
| Pediatric Use | Approved for children 6 years and older with hypertension | Primarily studied and used in adults |
| Common Side Effects | Swelling in ankles/feet, headache, flushing, dizziness | Swelling in ankles/feet, headache, flushing, dizziness |
| Specific Warnings | Possible symptomatic hypotension, worsening angina/acute myocardial infarction | Possible symptomatic hypotension |
| When to Choose | A doctor might choose amlodipine if a patient has high blood pressure along with certain types of chest pain (angina) or coronary artery disease. It is also an option for children aged 6 and older who need blood pressure control. Its long half-life contributes to consistent blood pressure lowering throughout the day. | Felodipine might be considered for patients primarily needing treatment for high blood pressure. Its extended-release formulation allows for convenient once-daily dosing. It is generally a good option for adult patients who tolerate dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers well. |
| Side Effects | Both amlodipine and felodipine share common side effects typical of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, such as swelling in the ankles or feet, headache, flushing, and dizziness. The incidence and severity of these side effects can vary between individuals, but neither drug is definitively known to have a 'better' or 'worse' overall side effect profile than the other in general use. | |
| Cost | Both amlodipine and felodipine are available as generic medications, making them generally affordable. The exact cost can vary based on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and specific formulation (e.g., brand vs. generic, extended-release). |
Bottom Line
Amlodipine and felodipine are effective calcium channel blockers for managing high blood pressure, with similar mechanisms of action and side effect profiles. The choice between them often comes down to specific patient needs, such as the presence of angina, age, and individual response to the medication. Always discuss with your healthcare provider which medication is best suited for your condition.
Amlodipine Besylate Overview
Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic stable angina, vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina, and coronary artery disease. It is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, known for its once-daily dosing, excellent tolerability, and proven cardiovascular outcomes data from the ALLHAT and CAMELOT trials. Amlodipine is available as a generic for as little as $4/month.
Full Amlodipine Besylate guide →Felodipine Overview
Felodipine is a medication known as a calcium channel blocker, primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious heart-related problems.
Full Felodipine guide →Compare prices for Amlodipine Besylate and Felodipine
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Medical Disclaimer
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