The NHS is advising some people to check with their GP whether they need to change their dosage.
People prescribed medicine to manage their blood pressure including amlodipine and ramipril have been issued an important alert by the NHS. Data shows that around one in three adults in the UK are impacted by hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, with the likelihood of developing the condition increasing with age.
Hypertension is often symptomless which has led to it being dubbed the “silent killer”. It strains your heart and blood vessels which can lead to heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. As well as adopting a healthier lifestyle, including reducing processed food intake and increased exercise, doctors prescribe medication to people with high blood pressure.
Around one in three UK adults have high blood pressure (Image: Getty)
As reported by Chronicle Live, one of the most frequently prescribed is ramipril. Medical statistics show that the drug, which dilates blood vessels, was prescribed around 34.8 million times last year.
Meanwhile, amlodipine is also a prominent treatment, responsible for over 30 million prescriptions every year. The calcium channel blocker aids in relaxing the arteries.
The NHS has issued guidance to anyone prescribed either category of blood pressure medicine. They explained how some people may need their prescribed dose to be changed.
The health service’s website states: “If you take other medicines that lower blood pressure, such as ramipril or lisinopril, at the same time as amlodipine, the combination can sometimes lower your blood pressure too much.
Ramipril is the most commonly prescribed drug for high blood pressure (Image: Getty)
“When your blood pressure is low, you may experience dizziness or fainting. If this keeps happening to you, tell your doctor as your dose may need to be changed.”
The main symptoms of low blood pressure, known as hypotension, include sensations of dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, fainting episodes, nausea, and weakness. It is crucial to have a blood pressure assessment if these symptoms occur regularly.
Certain medications may interfere with the effectiveness of amplodipine so it’s important to inform you’re doctor of what you’re taking. They include:
- antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin or rifampicin
- calcium channel blockers like diltiazem or verapamil
- itraconazole or ketoconazole, antifungal medicines
- medicines to treat HIV or HCV (hepatitis C virus)
- anti-epilepsy medicines such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital (phenobarbitone) or primidone
- medicines to suppress your immune system, such as ciclosporin or tacrolimus
- more than 20mg a day of the cholesterol-lowering medicine simvastatin
People are advised to consult their GP for a potential dosage change (Image: Getty)
Ramipril or lisinopril can typically be prescribed alongside amlodipine as it represents a widely used and proven therapeutic pairing. However, combining these medications can increase the likelihood of hypotension, potentially resulting in light-headedness or loss of consciousness.
On herbal treatments and dietary supplements, the NHS advises: “St John’s wort, a herbal remedy taken for depression, is thought to affect the way amlodipine works. Talk to your doctor if you’re thinking about taking St John’s wort.
“There’s not enough information to say that other herbal remedies or supplements are safe to take with amlodipine. They’re not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines.
“They’re generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.”
