Amlodipine vs. Amlodipine Besylate: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Published on December 18, 2023
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension, while amlodipine besylate is the besylate salt form of amlodipine, more stable and easier to formulate in medications.
Key Differences
Amlodipine is a drug in the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers. While, amlodipine besylate is the same drug in a salt form, combined with benzenesulfonate (besylate) for stability.
The pure form of amlodipine is rarely used in medications due to stability issues. Amlodipine besylate, on the other hand, is commonly used in pharmaceuticals due to its improved stability and solubility.
Both are used to treat high blood pressure and angina, but the besylate form is more commonly prescribed due to its formulation. The effectiveness of both in treating cardiovascular conditions is the same.
In the body, amlodipine besylate converts to amlodipine, meaning their bioavailability and absorption rates are essentially the same.
The pharmacokinetics, including how the body metabolizes and eliminates the drug, are the same for both forms. The besylate component does not significantly alter the drug’s action.
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Comparison Chart
Chemical Form
Pure drug form
Salt form with besylate
Stability in Formulation
Less stable, rarely used in pure form
More stable, commonly used in medications
Usage
Treats hypertension and angina
Same uses, more prevalent in prescriptions
Bioavailability
Effective absorption
Converts to amlodipine in the body, similar effect
Pharmacokinetics
Same metabolic process
Same, with the besylate component being inert
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Amlodipine and Amlodipine Besylate Definitions
Amlodipine
A calcium channel blocker medication.
Amlodipine is prescribed for high blood pressure control.
Amlodipine Besylate
Has the same therapeutic effects as amlodipine.
Amlodipine besylate effectively treats angina, just like amlodipine.
Amlodipine
Used in the treatment of angina and coronary artery disease.
Doctors often recommend amlodipine for chest pain relief.
Amlodipine Besylate
Facilitates easier manufacturing and storage of the drug.
Pharmaceutical companies prefer amlodipine besylate for production.
Amlodipine
Works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Amlodipine helps in reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Amlodipine Besylate
Offers improved stability over pure amlodipine.
Due to its stability, amlodipine besylate has a longer shelf life.
Amlodipine
Belongs to the dihydropyridine class of drugs.
As a dihydropyridine, amlodipine has fewer cardiac side effects.
Amlodipine Besylate
Converts to amlodipine in the body after ingestion.
Once ingested, amlodipine besylate effectively lowers blood pressure.
Amlodipine
Can be used alone or with other medications.
Amlodipine is sometimes combined with other antihypertensives.
Amlodipine Besylate
The besylate salt form of amlodipine.
Amlodipine besylate is more commonly used in pill formulations.
Amlodipine
(pharmaceutical drug) A long-acting calcium channel blocker used as an anti-hypertensive and in the treatment of angina
FAQs
What is amlodipine besylate?
The besylate salt form of amlodipine, used for the same purposes.
Can amlodipine treat heart failure?
It's not the primary treatment but can be used to manage symptoms.
What is amlodipine?
A calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina.
Does amlodipine have side effects?
Possible side effects include dizziness, swelling, or fatigue.
Are the effects of amlodipine and its besylate form different?
No, they have the same therapeutic effect.
Is amlodipine effective for high blood pressure?
Very effective in lowering and managing blood pressure.
Can amlodipine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a rare but possible side effect.
Why is amlodipine besylate more common?
It’s more stable and easier to manufacture.
Can amlodipine besylate cause drowsiness?
Drowsiness is a possible side effect.
Does amlodipine besylate interact with other drugs?
Yes, it can interact with certain drugs, so consultation is important.
Is amlodipine besylate available over the counter?
No, it requires a doctor's prescription.
Does amlodipine affect kidney function?
It can be used safely in patients with kidney disease, with monitoring.
Can amlodipine besylate be stopped abruptly?
Stopping suddenly is not recommended; tapering is safer.
Is amlodipine besylate safe for long-term use?
Yes, under medical supervision.
How should amlodipine be taken?
Usually taken once daily, with or without food.
Can amlodipine besylate be used in pregnancy?
Its use in pregnancy should be discussed with a doctor.
How is amlodipine besylate metabolized?
It’s metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine.
Is amlodipine suitable for elderly patients?
Yes, but with careful dose adjustments and monitoring.
How long does amlodipine take to work?
It starts working within a few hours, but full effect may take weeks.
Can amlodipine besylate cause coughing?
Coughing is a less common side effect compared to other blood pressure medications.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
