Why Is Amlodipine Banned In Canada?
There have been a lot of questions like “Why is amlodipine banned in Canada? Many people across the world believe amlodipine is being banned in Canada. In today’s article, we will be able to discuss what amlodipine is and how it works, as well as whether amlodipine was banned in Canada or not.
Amlodipine is an antihypertensive medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers, sometimes known as calcium channel antagonists. It is used to treat hypertension, coronary artery disease, and angina. Amlodipine acts by relaxing tissues and arteries by preventing calcium from entering them, hence increasing blood flow.
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It inhibits coronary artery spasms and slows the rate at which the heart pumps or propels blood, lowering the body’s oxygen requirements, lowering blood pressure, and minimizing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Amlodipine can be taken alone or with additional cardiovascular medications. On the other hand, amlodipine has no effect on the amount or levels of calcium in the blood.
Why is amlodipine banned in Canada?
No, it wasn’t. Amlodipine is not on Canada’s list of banned medications. It is rumoured to have been banned because a study claimed that women who took calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine were more likely to develop specific types of breast cancer for a long period of time (10 years).
Another study on a larger population disproved this theory, showing that calcium channel blockers did not increase the risk of cancer with convincing evidence. Benefits of amlodipine: aside from the fact that amlodipine is a generic medication, studies suggest that it can keep a person’s blood pressure at an appropriate range throughout activity and can boost their capacity to exercise.
The heart rate does not change during maximum exercise sessions when taking Amlodipine. Amlodipine also has a long duration of action, with a 24-hour effect. The highest concentration of amlodipine can occur within 6 to 12 hours after oral administration.
It can remain in one’s body system for around 275 hours before being said to have totally passed away. Amlodipine can be taken with or without meals. The safety of taking Amplodine in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers has not been proven and remains unknown.
Even though the study shows that it has no effect on pregnant women and is not found in breast milk, it is always advisable for women who are pregnant to contact their doctor before they start taking amlodipine. There are other calcium channel blockers that function similarly to have the same effect as amlodipine. These include felodipine and nifedipine, to name a few examples.
On the other hand, Amlodipine can be purchased in Canada with a valid prescription. You may also be permitted to enter Canada with Amlodipine, and border health officials will permit you to enter with the medication needed for treatment.
History Of Amlodipine
According to Wikipedia, after amlodipine was discovered in 1982, amlodipine was approved for medicinal use in 1990. It is also on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines and is available in generic form. With almost 73 million prescriptions in 2019, it was the sixth most prescribed drug in the United States 2019.
Side Effects
Amlodipine, like any other medicine, has side effects, even though it is not banned worldwide and can also be administered in Canada. Children and the elderly, those with medical illnesses such as liver or kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, seizures, and so on, as well as people who take other medications, are more likely to experience a wider range of side effects.
Children under the age of 6 should not use amlodipine. Its side effects may include swelling of the legs or ankles, Low blood pressure is one of the side effects that need immediate attention (severe dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting).
Increased chest discomfort or upper body discomfort, shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, unusual weariness, nausea, and lightheadedness are all symptoms. Patients with liver problems may require lower doses.
Long-term usage of Amlodipine may potentially cause artery and heart weakness and dysfunction. It may also cause some chronic side effects, such as heart failure. In the case of an overdose, which is uncommon, the toxicity can be managed or handled by monitoring ECG results, vitals, respiratory system performance, glucose levels, renal function, electrolyte levels, and urine output.
An amlodipine overdose can cause blood vessels to dilate, severe hypotension, and an increase in heart rate. When fluid resuscitation does not relieve low blood pressure, vasopressors might be used.
