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Amlodipine ankle oedema — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyCardiovascular TherapeuticsAmlodipine ankle oedemaGPhC CRA

A 72-year-old patient taking amlodipine 10mg once daily reports troublesome bilateral ankle swelling. Blood pressure is controlled and there is no breathlessness or weight gain. What is the most appropriate alternative?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Discuss reducing the dose or changing to an ACE inhibitor with the prescriber

Peripheral oedema is a recognised dose-related adverse effect of dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers. Diuretics are usually ineffective because the mechanism is arteriolar vasodilation rather than fluid overload. A dose reduction or switch to another antihypertensive class is a more appropriate prescriber discussion.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF