# Amlodipine in Nigeria

Amlodipine has 106 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 50 registration holders; 164 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/amlodipine/
- Drug class: Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine) (Hypertension)
- Also known as: Norvasc, Amlo
- Prescription required: yes
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, a pack of 28–30 amlodipine tablets sells for about ₦1,750 online in Nigeria (₦41–₦141 a tablet, strip or bulk pack; Amlong) at HealthPlus and MedPlus; packs of 100 ₦7,670. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. That figure is for Amlong; 54 other amlodipine brands are NAFDAC-registered and generic versions usually cost less. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## What is Amlodipine?

Amlodipine is one of the most widely prescribed antihypertensive medications in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa. It belongs to the calcium channel blocker (CCB) class of drugs, specifically the dihydropyridine subgroup. Hypertension affects an estimated 30-45% of Nigerian adults, with many cases going undiagnosed because high blood pressure is often called a 'silent killer' — it typically causes no symptoms until serious complications like stroke, heart failure, or kidney disease develop. Amlodipine plays a critical role in managing this enormous public health burden, and you will find it stocked in virtually every pharmacy and patent medicine store across Nigeria, from Lagos to Kano.

Amlodipine works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels (a process called vasodilation), which allows blood to flow more easily and reduces the pressure against the walls of the arteries. It does this by blocking calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessel walls — without calcium, these muscles cannot contract as forcefully, so the vessels stay relaxed. This mechanism makes amlodipine particularly effective in Black and African patients, as clinical studies have consistently shown that calcium channel blockers produce stronger blood pressure reductions in people of African descent compared to some other drug classes such as ACE inhibitors when used alone.

Amlodipine is taken once daily, usually in the morning, and its long duration of action means it provides consistent blood pressure control throughout the full 24-hour period. It is available in Nigeria under well-known brand names including Norvasc (the original Pfizer brand), Amlovar, and Stamlo, alongside generic amlodipine from a number of manufacturers. All legitimate brands sold in Nigeria carry NAFDAC registration numbers. One of the greatest advantages of amlodipine is its tolerability — most patients can take it for years with minimal side effects, making it an excellent choice for the lifelong treatment that hypertension requires.

## What is Amlodipine used for?

- Treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) — the primary and most common use in Nigeria
- Management of chronic stable angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart)
- Treatment of vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina
- Often used in combination therapy with ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril), ARBs (such as losartan), or thiazide diuretics for patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with a single drug
- Preferred first-line antihypertensive for Black/African patients based on clinical evidence showing superior efficacy in this population

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: The usual starting dose is 5mg taken once daily by mouth. If blood pressure is not adequately controlled after 1-2 weeks, the dose may be increased to 10mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 10mg per day. Take amlodipine at the same time each day, with or without food. Do not crush or chew the tablet — swallow it whole with water.
- Children: For children aged 6-17 years, the recommended dose is 2.5mg to 5mg once daily. Amlodipine is not typically recommended for children under 6 years. Paediatric dosing should always be determined by a doctor.
- Elderly: Elderly patients and those with liver problems should start at the lower dose of 2.5mg to 5mg once daily. Dose increases should be gradual and closely monitored by a healthcare professional.

Amlodipine must be taken every day, even when you feel well. Hypertension usually has no symptoms, so feeling fine does not mean your blood pressure is normal. Do NOT stop taking amlodipine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as your blood pressure may rise sharply. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

## Side effects

Common: Ankle and foot swelling (peripheral oedema) — this is the most common side effect and occurs in up to 10% of patients, especially at the 10mg dose. It is caused by the drug's effect on blood vessels, not by heart or kidney problems; Headache, particularly during the first few days of treatment; Flushing or feeling of warmth in the face; Dizziness or lightheadedness; Fatigue or tiredness; Nausea or stomach discomfort.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Severe dizziness or fainting — may indicate blood pressure has dropped too low; Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations); Severe swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — this may indicate a rare allergic reaction requiring emergency treatment; Chest pain that is new or worsening — seek immediate medical attention; Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) — rare but may indicate liver problems.

When to see a doctor: See your doctor or pharmacist if ankle swelling becomes bothersome or does not improve — your doctor may adjust the dose or add another medication. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience severe dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or chest pain. If you notice any unusual symptoms that concern you, do not stop the medication on your own — consult your healthcare provider first.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Do not take amlodipine if you are allergic to amlodipine or any other dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker; Do not use in patients with severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the main heart valve); Use with caution in patients with severe liver disease, as the drug is metabolised by the liver; Not recommended in patients with unstable angina or within 1-2 weeks of a heart attack (unless specifically directed by a cardiologist).

Interactions: Simvastatin — amlodipine can increase simvastatin levels in the blood; the dose of simvastatin should not exceed 20mg daily when taken with amlodipine; Other blood pressure-lowering medications — combining amlodipine with other antihypertensives can cause blood pressure to drop too low; dose adjustments may be needed; Cyclosporine and tacrolimus — amlodipine may increase levels of these immunosuppressant drugs; Grapefruit juice — may increase amlodipine levels in the blood, potentially increasing side effects; avoid large quantities; Rifampicin — may reduce the effectiveness of amlodipine by increasing its breakdown in the body.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Amlodipine is NOT recommended during pregnancy. There is insufficient safety data for use in pregnant women, and it should only be used during pregnancy if no safer alternative is available and the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine, inform your doctor immediately so you can be switched to a pregnancy-safe blood pressure medication such as methyldopa or labetalol. Amlodipine passes into breast milk in small amounts. Breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before taking amlodipine, and alternative antihypertensives with better-established safety during breastfeeding may be considered.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Norvasc (Pfizer, made in USA); Stamlo (Dr. Reddy's, made in India); Amlong (Elbe Pharma Nigeria Limited, made in India).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/amlodipine/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all genuine amlodipine brands sold in Nigeria must have a valid NAFDAC number (e.g., A4-XXXX or B4-XXXX format)
2. Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC Green Book or the NAFDAC mobile verification app available on Android and iOS
3. Purchase only from licensed pharmacies and registered patent medicine stores — avoid buying from unregistered vendors, open markets, or online sources without verifiable credentials
4. Check the expiry date and ensure the packaging is intact, properly sealed, and shows no signs of tampering
5. Genuine tablets should have uniform size, shape, and colour — if tablets look irregular, crumbly, discoloured, or have an unusual smell, do not use them
6. For Norvasc (Pfizer), look for the distinctive round tablet shape and embossed markings. For Emzor and other brands, check for holographic security features and batch numbers on the outer pack

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## Compared with

### Amlodipine vs Lisinopril: which blood pressure tablet fits you?

For most Nigerians starting treatment, amlodipine is the evidence-backed first pick — calcium-channel blockers work particularly well in people of African descent. Lisinopril earns first place when there's diabetes with protein in the urine, or certain heart conditions, because of its kidney and heart protection. Many people eventually need both; that's normal, not failure.

When Amlodipine fits:

- Starting treatment without diabetes or kidney complications
- A previous ACE inhibitor caused cough
- Your clinician follows standard first-line guidance for African patients

When Lisinopril fits:

- You have diabetes, especially with protein in the urine
- Heart failure or a previous heart attack is part of the picture
- It's prescribed alongside amlodipine as combination therapy

Lisinopril guide: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/lisinopril/

## FAQs

### Can I take amlodipine forever? Is it safe for long-term use?

Yes, amlodipine is intended for long-term, often lifelong use. Hypertension is a chronic condition that requires continuous treatment — it cannot be cured, only controlled. Many Nigerians make the dangerous mistake of stopping their blood pressure medication once their readings normalise, but this causes the blood pressure to rise again, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. Amlodipine has an excellent long-term safety record, and millions of people worldwide have taken it for decades without significant problems. Your doctor will monitor you periodically with blood pressure checks and routine blood tests. Never stop taking amlodipine without medical advice.

### My ankles swell when I take amlodipine. What can I do?

Ankle swelling (peripheral oedema) is the most common side effect of amlodipine and occurs because the drug relaxes the blood vessels, allowing more fluid to leak into the tissues of the lower legs. This swelling is NOT caused by heart or kidney problems — it is a direct pharmacological effect of the drug. Strategies to manage it include: elevating your feet when sitting or lying down, wearing compression stockings, reducing salt intake, and staying physically active. If the swelling is mild and tolerable, your doctor may advise you to continue the medication. However, if it is severe or bothersome, your doctor may reduce the dose from 10mg to 5mg, or add an ACE inhibitor like lisinopril or an ARB like losartan, which can counteract the swelling. Do not stop amlodipine on your own.

### Is amlodipine better than other blood pressure drugs for Nigerians?

Clinical evidence shows that calcium channel blockers like amlodipine are particularly effective in Black and African patients. Studies such as the ALLHAT trial demonstrated that amlodipine provides superior blood pressure control in people of African descent compared to ACE inhibitors used alone. This is why many Nigerian and international treatment guidelines recommend a calcium channel blocker or a thiazide diuretic as first-line therapy for hypertension in Black patients. However, 'best' depends on individual factors — patients with diabetes may benefit more from an ACE inhibitor or ARB for kidney protection, and patients with fast heart rates may do better on a beta-blocker. Many patients ultimately need a combination of two or more drugs to achieve optimal blood pressure control. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate medication based on your specific health needs.

### My pressure is normal now — can I stop the tablets?

Normal readings on treatment mean the tablet is doing its job. Hypertension almost always returns when treatment stops, without symptoms, and the first warning can be a stroke. Any dose change should follow your own home readings and a clinician's advice.

### My ankles swell on amlodipine — should I worry?

It's the drug's best-known nuisance and not heart failure in itself — but don't just endure it. A lower dose, an added ACE inhibitor (which counteracts the swelling), or a switch usually solves it. Sudden one-leg swelling or breathlessness is different: seek care promptly.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)