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Calcium-channel blocker oedema — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsCalcium-channel blocker oedemaGPhC CRA

A 67-year-old woman taking amlodipine 10 mg daily for hypertension reports troublesome ankle swelling. Her blood pressure is controlled and there is no breathlessness or weight gain. What is the most appropriate action?

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

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Correct answer: E — Discuss dose reduction or switching antihypertensive therapy with the prescriber

Amlodipine commonly causes dose-related peripheral oedema due to precapillary vasodilation. Diuretics are usually ineffective because the mechanism is not fluid overload. A dose reduction or switch to another antihypertensive class is often appropriate if symptoms are troublesome. New heart failure symptoms would need urgent assessment, but the stem suggests uncomplicated drug-related oedema.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS