How do I reduce swelling from amlodipine?

Swelling from amlodipine is a common, but often troublesome side effect of amlodipine with 5% to 9% of people stopping amlodipine because of it. If you develop swelling with amlodipine, tell your doctor right away because they may be able to change your blood pressure medications slightly to help reduce the swelling. Swelling caused by amlodipine does not usually respond to treatment with diuretics (such as furosemide) because it is caused by changes in capillary pressure that result in leakage into the spaces between capillaries (called the interstitial area) rather than water retention.

Ways to reduce swelling from amlodipine include:

• Non-pharmacological interventions, such as using a footstool to raise your legs as often as possible; regularly doing foot exercises to promote better movement and circulation
• Reducing the dosage of amlodipine and adding in an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), such as cilazapril, or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), such as losartan
• Switching to a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, such as verapamil or diltiazem
• Adding a nitrate, such as isosorbide dinitrate
• Stopping amlodipine.