Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker
Amlodipine with antibiotics: interactions and safety
Antibiotic courses are common, short-term and often combined with chronic medications such as Amlodipine (Amlodipine). Most antibiotics do not interfere meaningfully with Amlodipine at 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, but a few classes do, and a small number of combinations are best avoided.
Common antibiotic interactions
Macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin) and certain antifungals can inhibit hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4) and raise plasma levels of many medications including some Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker agents. Rifampicin has the opposite effect, accelerating metabolism. Most penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines have no clinically meaningful interaction with Amlodipine at 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Amlodipine, an antibiotic course should be reviewed by the prescriber or pharmacist for known interactions before Amlodipine is co-administered. Adjusted 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg dosing or temporary substitution is sometimes preferred for the duration of the antibiotic course.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amlodipine during an antibiotic course? ▾
For most common antibiotics, yes. A few classes — notably macrolides and azole antifungals — alter how Amlodipine is metabolised and may need a temporary 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg adjustment. The prescribing pharmacist should review any new antibiotic against the existing Amlodipine regimen.
Will antibiotics make Amlodipine stop working? ▾
Most antibiotics do not affect Amlodipine efficacy. Rifampicin and a few others can lower Amlodipine levels and reduce effect; in those cases the prescriber may adjust the dose during and shortly after the antibiotic course.
Products containing Amlodipine
More on Amlodipine
- With alcoholAmlodipine and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Amlodipine be taken with food?
- Side effectsAmlodipine side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- Dosage guideAmlodipine dosage guide: how much to take and when
- OnsetHow fast does Amlodipine start working?
- DurationHow long does Amlodipine last?
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