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How Long Does Amlodipine Take To Clear Out Of The System After Discontinuing?
Question: I have taken Amlodipine Besylate 2.5 mg pills and have experienced severe side effects. Namely swelling of hands and feet, joints that are stiff and painful. It has been 8 days since i stopped taking the pills. How long will it take for this medication to clear out of my system?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that leg swelling is a common adverse effect of amlodipine.
I agree with your decision to stop taking it.
Its effects on blood pressure may stay up to 3-4 days after stopping it.
Regarding its adverse effects, they may take up to a couple of weeks to disappear.
So, you should just wait patiently.
Instead of Amlodipine, I would suggest starting Hydrochlorothyazide, to help maintain a normal blood pressure. It has also a mild diuretic effect and can help reduce the swelling faster.
If the leg and hand swelling persists after this period of time, I would recommend consulting with your GP and performing some tests to exclude other possible causes of increased fluid retention:
- a cardiac ultrasound to investigate for heart failure
- blood electrolytes for electrolyte imbalance
- fasting glucose for diabetes
- kidney and liver function tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that leg swelling is a common adverse effect of amlodipine.
I agree with your decision to stop taking it.
Its effects on blood pressure may stay up to 3-4 days after stopping it.
Regarding its adverse effects, they may take up to a couple of weeks to disappear.
So, you should just wait patiently.
Instead of Amlodipine, I would suggest starting Hydrochlorothyazide, to help maintain a normal blood pressure. It has also a mild diuretic effect and can help reduce the swelling faster.
If the leg and hand swelling persists after this period of time, I would recommend consulting with your GP and performing some tests to exclude other possible causes of increased fluid retention:
- a cardiac ultrasound to investigate for heart failure
- blood electrolytes for electrolyte imbalance
- fasting glucose for diabetes
- kidney and liver function tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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