Nurse Teaching Topic: Side Effects of Amlodipine Use

Patient/caregiver was educated on the side effects of using Amlodipine as follows:

1. Symptoms of hypotension can occur secondary to dilation of blood vessels in the peripheries. When blood vessels dilate, they accommodate more blood volume in the periphery. This can reduce blood supply to the vital organs, such as, brain and result in symptoms such as, dizziness and feeling lightheaded.
2. Diminished blood supply to vital organs, such as, heart can occur secondary to pooling of blood in peripheries and so, can worsen the symptoms in individuals with compromised cardiac function. Individuals can sometimes present with chest pain that should be immediately reported to the physician.
3. Slowing the calcium entry into the cells of SA node can lead to slowdown of heart rate. Sometimes, the slowdown of heart rate can be severe and needs immediate attention.
4. Pooling of blood in the peripheries secondary to vasodilation can result in pedal edema and swelling of hands and feet.