Ciplavasc contains amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, dispensed in South Africa as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. It is prescribed to lower high blood pressure and to prevent angina. It is a long-term medicine taken every day, and high blood pressure usually causes no symptoms — so feeling well is not a reason to stop.
What is Ciplavasc?
Ciplavasc contains amlodipine besylate, supplied in South Africa by Cipla as Ciplavasc 5 (5 mg) and Ciplavasc 10 (10 mg).
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, specifically a dihydropyridine. Muscle in the walls of your arteries needs calcium to contract. Amlodipine limits calcium entering those cells, so the artery walls relax and widen. Wider arteries mean less resistance, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the work the heart has to do. For angina, that same widening improves blood flow to the heart muscle itself.
It is a Schedule 3 medicine in South Africa and is taken once daily. It acts gradually rather than quickly, and the full effect on blood pressure builds over a few weeks.
The same ingredient is dispensed here under many names — Austell Amlodipine, Norvasc and plain amlodipine among them.
What is Ciplavasc commonly used for?
Ciplavasc is prescribed for two main purposes:
- High blood pressure (hypertension). This is by far the most common reason. It may be used on its own or with other blood-pressure medicines, and combination is normal rather than a sign that treatment is failing.
- Angina, including stable angina and some other forms, where it prevents attacks by improving blood flow to the heart.
The point that matters most about this medicine is what high blood pressure feels like: usually nothing at all. It rarely causes symptoms until it has done damage. The reason for taking amlodipine every day is not to make you feel better today — it is to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney damage over years.
That is also why people stop taking it. Feeling perfectly well, they conclude the medicine is unnecessary. Feeling well is generally the medicine working.
Amlodipine does not treat an acute angina attack. That needs a fast-acting nitrate, and your prescriber will have explained what to use.
How Ciplavasc fits into this medicine category
Within heart and circulation medicines, Ciplavasc is a calcium channel blocker — one of several classes that lower blood pressure by different routes:
- Calcium channel blockers — amlodipine, nifedipine — relax the artery walls.
- ACE inhibitors — enalapril, perindopril — relax vessels through a different hormonal pathway.
- ARBs — losartan and similar — act on the same pathway at a different point.
- Thiazide diuretics — hydrochlorothiazide, as in Ridaq — remove excess fluid and salt.
- Beta blockers — slow the heart and reduce its workload.
None of these is simply stronger than the others. Prescribers choose and switch based on your blood pressure, age, kidney function, other conditions and how you tolerate them. Being moved from one to another is normal practice, not a setback.
Statins, blood thinners and cholesterol medicines address different risks and are often taken alongside. See the blood pressure, heart and circulation medicines hub.
What to check before using Ciplavasc
Take it at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food.
Tell your prescriber or pharmacist if:
- You have heart failure, or have recently had a heart attack.
- You have severe liver disease.
- You have very low blood pressure, or a narrowed aortic valve.
- You are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Blood-pressure medicines are chosen carefully in pregnancy, and some are avoided.
- You take simvastatin. Amlodipine raises its levels, so the amount of simvastatin may be limited.
- You take other blood-pressure medicines, or anything that lowers blood pressure — including some prostate medicines and erectile dysfunction treatments.
- You take anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. NSAIDs raise blood pressure and work against this medicine.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase amlodipine levels. Ask your pharmacist whether to avoid them.
Follow the dispensing label. This page does not set doses, and blood-pressure medicines are adjusted against readings over time.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Do not stop because you feel well. Feeling well is the point. Stopping allows blood pressure to rise again, usually without any symptom to warn you.
Ankle swelling is the most common side effect. Amlodipine widens small arteries, which can allow fluid into the tissues of the lower legs. It is generally harmless but can be uncomfortable. Tell your prescriber — sometimes a dose change or a different class helps.
Expect possible flushing, headache or dizziness early on. These often settle as your body adjusts.
Stand up slowly, particularly when starting or increasing the dose.
Keep your appointments. Blood pressure is adjusted against readings, and kidney function is checked periodically. This is how treatment is steered.
Ask before adding over-the-counter medicines. Anti-inflammatories and some decongestants raise blood pressure and can undo the benefit.
Seek urgent medical attention for chest pain that is new, worse or lasting; sudden breathlessness; fainting; a very slow or irregular heartbeat; or symptoms of stroke such as one-sided weakness, facial droop or difficulty speaking. Report significant leg swelling, or swelling of the face or lips, to your doctor.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Blood Pressure, Heart & Circulation Medicines guides
- Read: Ridaq used for
- Read: Austell Amlodipine used for
Frequently asked questions
What is Ciplavasc 10 used for? Lowering high blood pressure, and preventing angina. It contains amlodipine 10 mg.
Is Ciplavasc the same as amlodipine? Yes. Ciplavasc is a South African brand of amlodipine, supplied by Cipla.
Can I stop once my blood pressure is normal? No, not on your own. Normal readings usually mean the medicine is working. Any change is a decision for your prescriber.
Why are my ankles swelling? That is the most common amlodipine side effect, caused by the way it widens small arteries. It is usually harmless, but tell your doctor — a dose change or different medicine may suit better.
Can I take ibuprofen with it? Ask first. Anti-inflammatories raise blood pressure and work against this medicine. Your pharmacist can suggest an alternative.
Does it treat an angina attack as it happens? No. It prevents attacks. An acute attack needs a fast-acting nitrate — your prescriber will have explained what to use.