Amloc contains amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker used for high blood pressure and angina. It relaxes and widens blood vessels so the heart does not have to push against as much resistance. It comes as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets, and is taken once a day, long term.
What is Amloc?
Amloc contains amlodipine maleate and is Schedule 3 in South Africa:
| Product | Strength |
|---|---|
| Amloc 5 mg | Amlodipine maleate 5 mg |
| Amloc 10 mg | Amlodipine maleate 10 mg |
Amlodipine is one of the most widely prescribed blood pressure medicines in the world, and appears in South Africa under several brand names including Ciplavasc and Norvasc. Being dispensed one rather than another is ordinary generic substitution. Some products use amlodipine besylate rather than maleate — a different salt of the same medicine, chosen for manufacturing reasons.
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, specifically a dihydropyridine. Muscle cells in artery walls need calcium to contract. Amlodipine blocks calcium entry into those cells, so the muscle relaxes and the arteries widen. Wider arteries mean less resistance, and less resistance means lower blood pressure and less work for the heart.
Two practical features follow:
- It is long-acting, so once daily is enough and blood pressure stays reasonably even across the 24 hours.
- It acts mainly on blood vessels rather than the heart itself. Unlike verapamil and diltiazem — calcium channel blockers of a different type — amlodipine does not meaningfully slow the heart rate.
It works gradually. Full effect takes a week or two, so it is not judged on the first few days’ readings.
What is Amloc commonly used for?
- High blood pressure (hypertension) — the main use, usually long term.
- Angina, reducing how often chest pain occurs by improving blood supply to the heart and reducing its workload.
- Prinzmetal’s (variant) angina, caused by coronary artery spasm, where a vessel-relaxing medicine is particularly suited.
- Reducing cardiovascular risk, as part of overall management alongside cholesterol treatment and lifestyle measures.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon, sometimes, where it helps small vessels in the fingers.
High blood pressure has no symptoms in almost everyone who has it. This is the single most important thing to understand: you will likely feel no different on Amloc, and feeling well is not a sign that you can stop. It is treating a risk — of stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, heart failure and vision loss — rather than a sensation.
Blood pressure medicines control rather than cure. For most people, treatment continues indefinitely, though weight loss, reduced salt, exercise and less alcohol can genuinely lower the amount needed.
How Amloc fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium channel blockers | Amlodipine (Amloc), felodipine | Relax and widen blood vessels |
| ACE inhibitors | Enalapril, perindopril | Relax vessels; protect heart and kidneys |
| ARBs | Losartan, valsartan | Similar to ACE inhibitors, without the cough |
| Beta-blockers | Bisoprolol, carvedilol | Slow the heart, reduce its workload |
| Thiazide diuretics | Hydrochlorothiazide (Ridaq) | Remove excess salt and water |
| Statins | Simvastatin | Lower cholesterol; not blood pressure |
Most people need more than one of these. Combining two at moderate doses generally works better, with fewer side effects, than pushing one to its maximum — amlodipine with an ACE inhibitor or ARB is among the most common pairings. See the blood pressure, heart and circulation medicines hub.
What to check before using Amloc
Take it at the same time each day. Consistency matters more than whether it is morning or evening, though evening dosing sometimes helps if ankle swelling is troublesome.
Do not stop it because your readings are normal. Normal readings usually mean it is working. Stopping causes blood pressure to climb back, generally without you noticing.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have heart failure, or severe narrowing of the aortic valve.
- Have liver disease, which may require a lower dose.
- Have had a recent heart attack or have unstable angina.
- Have very low blood pressure.
- Are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Take simvastatin. Amlodipine raises simvastatin levels, and the simvastatin dose is usually capped as a result — a genuinely common and important interaction, since these two are often prescribed together.
- Take other blood pressure medicines, or medicines for an enlarged prostate such as tamsulosin, which also lower blood pressure.
- Take ciclosporin, tacrolimus, or medicines affecting liver enzymes such as some antifungals, HIV medicines or certain antibiotics.
- Take anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen regularly — NSAIDs raise blood pressure and blunt these medicines.
Grapefruit juice can increase amlodipine levels. The effect is usually modest but worth avoiding in large quantities.
Keep blood pressure check appointments — the medicine cannot be adjusted sensibly without readings.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
The most common effects are ankle and foot swelling, flushing, headache, dizziness, palpitations and tiredness.
Ankle swelling is the characteristic effect of this medicine. It happens because amlodipine widens small arteries more than veins, raising pressure in the capillaries so fluid leaks into the tissue. It is not usually a sign of heart or kidney trouble, it is dose-related, and it is more common in women and in hot weather. It is also the most common reason people stop taking amlodipine — but there are alternatives, so it is worth reporting rather than quietly abandoning treatment. Elevating the legs helps; a diuretic generally does not, because the fluid is not from overload.
Headache and flushing often settle after the first weeks.
Seek medical advice promptly if you develop:
- Chest pain that is new, more frequent, or occurring at rest — seek emergency care. Very occasionally angina worsens when starting.
- Severe dizziness or fainting.
- Marked swelling of the legs, or breathlessness, particularly lying flat.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
- A severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Swollen, tender gums, an uncommon effect of this class.
Stand up slowly, especially when starting or after an increase, and take care in hot weather or after alcohol, both of which lower blood pressure further.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant, and check before starting any new medicine — including over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and decongestants, both of which raise blood pressure.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Blood Pressure, Heart & Circulation Medicines guides
- Read: Ciplavasc used for
- Read: Ridaq used for
Frequently asked questions
What is Amloc used for? High blood pressure and angina. It contains amlodipine, which relaxes and widens blood vessels.
What is Amloc 5 mg used for? The usual starting strength for blood pressure or angina, taken once daily. It may be increased to 10 mg if needed.
What is Amloc 10 mg used for? The higher strength, used when 5 mg does not control blood pressure or angina sufficiently.
Why are my ankles swollen? This is the characteristic effect of amlodipine and is dose-related rather than a sign of heart or kidney failure. Report it — alternatives exist.
Will I feel different on it? Usually not. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so the absence of any change is normal and not a sign it is not working.
Can I stop if my blood pressure is normal? No. Normal readings generally mean the medicine is working. Speak to your doctor before changing anything.
Can I take it with simvastatin? Often yes, but amlodipine raises simvastatin levels and the statin dose is usually limited. Your doctor should be aware of both.
Does it slow the heart rate? No. Unlike verapamil, diltiazem or beta-blockers, amlodipine acts on blood vessels and does not meaningfully slow the heart.