What is a common side effect of amlodipine?

One of the well-documented side effects of amlodipine is peripheral edema. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker primarily used for the treatment of hypertension and angina. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which can lead to increased blood flow and decreased vascular resistance. However, one consequence of vasodilation is that it can result in fluid retention, particularly in the lower extremities, which manifests as peripheral edema.

This side effect occurs more frequently in individuals receiving long-term therapy and can be dose-dependent. It is important for clinicians and patients to be aware of this potential effect, as it can impact the patient’s quality of life and may require a dose adjustment or combination with a diuretic in some cases.

Other options in the question are not commonly associated with amlodipine. For instance, while hypotension can occur as a result of the medication lowering blood pressure, it is not a side effect observed frequently enough to be classified as common. Xanthoma is a skin condition associated with lipid metabolism disorders rather than a direct side effect of amlodipine. Similarly, coronary artery disease is a condition that may be treated with medication like amlodipine but is not a side effect itself of the drug