Management of amlodipine-induced ankle oedema

Abstract

Pedal oedema is a well-known adverse effect of amlodipine, but significantly less frequent if only half of the maximum recommended dosage is used. Diuretics are ineffective. To cause as few side effects as possible, options for managing are prioritised in this review: Reduce dosage, switch to lercanidipine/lacidipine, switch to another group, add/increase dosage of an ACE-inhibitor/angiotensin II-receptor blocker, administer at night, or switch to verapamil/diltiazem. Non-pharmacologic actions or observation may be considered when the oedemas are mild and not bothersome.