Prednisone-Amlodipine Drug Interaction

• Predisone, as a corticosteroid, may act against the antihypertensive effects of amlodipine, causing fluid and sodium retention. There may also be an increase in corticosteroid plasma levels because of the calcium-channel-blocking characteristics of amlodipine. This can interfere with the patient's metabolism, resulting in edema (swelling) of the tissues, particularly in the hands and feet.
  
  

Managing a Prednisone-Amlodipine Drug Interaction

• Those on prednisone for longer than a week or on high doses should have their electrolyte levels, blood pressure and weight monitored regularly. This is especially true for patients on amlodipine so the doctor can catch signs of edema and congestive heart failure should they occur. Your doctor may then need to adjust your amlodipine besylate dosage.