Amlodipine/atorvastatin (By mouth)

Amlodipine Besylate (am-LOE-di-peen BES-i-late), Atorvastatin Calcium (a-tor-va-STAT-in KAL-see-um)

Treats and prevents angina (chest pain), stroke, heart attack, or other heart and blood vessel diseases. Also lowers high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. This medicine contains a calcium channel blocker (CCB) and a statin.

Brand Name(s):

Caduet

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to amlodipine or atorvastatin, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have active liver disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine at the same time each day.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hours, take the missed dose as soon as possible, and then go back to your regular schedule. If you miss a dose and it is more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how amlodipine/atorvastatin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Boceprevir, cimetidine, colchicine, cyclosporine, digoxin, diltiazem, elbasvir/grazoprevir, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, letermovir, niacin (vitamin B3), rifampin, sildenafil, spironolactone, tacrolimus, telaprevir
  • Birth control pills (including ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone)
  • Medicine to treat an infection (including clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole)
  • Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (including darunavir/ritonavir, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir/ritonavir, simeprevir, tipranavir/ritonavir)
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes, heart or blood vessel disease, heart problems, low blood pressure, any type of infection, thyroid problems, electrolyte imbalance, seizures, or a history of stroke or heart attack. Tell your doctor if you are having surgery or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Severe muscle problems (including myopathy, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy), especially when used with other medicines
  • Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle weakness) that could lead to kidney damage, especially when used with other medicines
  • Liver problems
  • Worsening chest pain or heart attack
  • Changes in blood sugar level
  • Brain or nerve problems, including bleeding or swelling in the brain, or hemorrhagic stroke
• This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, unusual sweating
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Sudden, severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking, seizures, numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, fever, tiredness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, upset stomach
• Joint pain
• Stuffy or runny nose, sore throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 4/23/2024