Amlodipine SF Oral Solution

High blood pressure affects millions of adults across the United Kingdom and requires long-term treatment to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. For patients who are unable to swallow tablets, a liquid formulation of amlodipine provides an important alternative. Amlodipine SF Oral Solution 5mg/5ml is a sugar-free, prescription-only liquid medicine containing the calcium channel blocker amlodipine, used to treat hypertension and angina in adults. It delivers the same active ingredient and therapeutic effect as amlodipine tablets, in a form that is easier for some patients to take. A prescription can only be issued following a clinical consultation with a registered prescriber.

Amlodipine SF Oral Solution is a sugar-free oral liquid medicine containing amlodipine besilate as the active ingredient, at a concentration of 5mg per 5ml. It belongs to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers. The SF in the product name stands for sugar-free, meaning the solution does not contain sucrose or glucose. This makes it suitable for patients with diabetes or those who need to avoid sugar in their medicines.

The oral solution is licensed in the United Kingdom for the same indications as amlodipine tablets: the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and the management of stable angina pectoris and vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal's angina) in adults. It is typically prescribed for patients who have difficulty swallowing solid dose forms such as tablets or capsules, including some older adults, patients with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), or those with a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube.

All clinical information on this page is drawn from the current UK Summary of Product Characteristics for Amlodipine SF Oral Solution 5mg/5ml.

Note: Amlodipine SF Oral Solution contains amlodipine besilate and may contain other excipients. Patients with known sensitivities should check the full list of ingredients in the Patient Information Leaflet before use, or ask their pharmacist for advice.

Amlodipine SF Oral Solution works in exactly the same way as amlodipine tablets because it contains the same active ingredient. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, amlodipine blocks calcium channels in the walls of blood vessels and in the heart muscle. Calcium is required for muscle contraction. When these channels are blocked, the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls relaxes.

Effect on Blood Pressure

The relaxation of blood vessel walls causes vasodilation, which widens the vessels and reduces the resistance the heart must overcome to circulate blood. This lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The antihypertensive effect of amlodipine develops gradually and is maintained over 24 hours with once-daily dosing, providing consistent blood pressure control throughout the day.

Effect on Angina

In angina, amlodipine reduces the oxygen demand of the heart muscle by lowering blood pressure and reducing cardiac workload. It also dilates the coronary arteries, increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. In vasospastic angina, amlodipine relaxes and prevents the coronary artery spasms that cause episodes of chest pain. These effects reduce both the frequency and severity of angina episodes.

Always take Amlodipine SF Oral Solution exactly as your prescriber instructs. The information below summarises key points from the current UK SmPC. Read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine before starting treatment.

• Take the oral solution once daily, at the same time each day. Consistent timing helps maintain a steady level of the medicine in your body.
• Measure the dose carefully using the oral syringe or measuring device supplied with the medicine. Do not use a household teaspoon, as this will not give an accurate dose.
• The solution can be taken directly from the oral syringe or mixed with a small amount of water immediately before taking. Follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet.
• Amlodipine SF Oral Solution can be taken with or without food.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If you only remember the following day, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day.
• Do not stop taking Amlodipine SF Oral Solution without speaking to your prescriber first. Stopping suddenly may cause your blood pressure to rise or angina to worsen.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Grapefruit can increase amlodipine levels in the blood and may increase the risk of side effects.

Amlodipine SF Oral Solution is available in one strength through this service. Each 5ml of solution contains 5mg of amlodipine. The volume of solution your prescriber instructs you to take will depend on your prescribed dose.

Amlodipine SF Oral Solution 5mg/5ml

The usual starting dose for adults is 5mg once daily, which corresponds to 5ml of the oral solution. If blood pressure or angina symptoms remain inadequately controlled, the dose may be increased to 10mg once daily (10ml of the solution), as directed by your prescriber. This is the maximum recommended dose. All dosing decisions are made by your prescriber based on your blood pressure readings, clinical response, age, and kidney and liver function. Do not adjust your dose without medical advice.

For patients with liver impairment, a lower starting dose may be appropriate. Inform your prescriber if you have any degree of liver disease, as amlodipine is metabolised by the liver and blood levels may be higher than expected.

Like all medicines, Amlodipine SF Oral Solution can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The side effects of the oral solution are the same as those of amlodipine tablets, as both contain the same active ingredient. The information below is based on the current UK SmPC. Refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list.

Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs (peripheral oedema), caused by the widening of blood vessels
• Flushing, a feeling of warmth or redness in the face
• Headache, particularly in the first few days of treatment
• Dizziness, particularly when standing up quickly
• Palpitations (awareness of the heartbeat)
• Fatigue and tiredness

Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Nausea, stomach pain, or indigestion
• Skin rash or itching
• Sleep disturbance or mood changes
• Muscle cramps or joint pain
• Changes in the frequency of urination

Serious Side Effects: Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Contact your prescriber or go to your nearest accident and emergency department promptly if you experience any of the following:

• Chest pain that is new or worsening, particularly shortly after starting treatment
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction
• A very fast or very irregular heartbeat
• Severe dizziness or fainting, which may indicate a significant fall in blood pressure
• Significant worsening of swelling in the legs or ankles

Report any suspected side effect to your prescriber, pharmacist, or via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Amlodipine SF Oral Solution May Be Suitable If You:

• Are an adult with hypertension or angina who requires amlodipine treatment but cannot swallow tablets
• Have dysphagia or another condition that makes taking solid oral dose forms difficult
• Require a sugar-free liquid medicine due to diabetes or dietary restrictions
• Are already prescribed amlodipine oral solution and require a repeat prescription through an online prescribing service

Amlodipine SF Oral Solution Is Not Suitable If You:

• Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to amlodipine, other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, or any excipient listed in the SmPC
• Have severe hypotension (very low blood pressure)
• Have cardiogenic shock
• Have unstable angina, excluding vasospastic angina
• Have significant aortic stenosis
• Are under 18 years of age (this service is for adults only)

Cautions

Particular care is required in patients with liver impairment, as amlodipine is metabolised by the liver. Caution is also advised in patients with heart failure. Inform your prescriber of all relevant medical conditions before starting treatment. As with amlodipine tablets, the blood pressure lowering effect may be enhanced when the oral solution is taken alongside other antihypertensive medicines.

Important Drug Interactions

The drug interactions relevant to Amlodipine SF Oral Solution are the same as those for amlodipine tablets, as both contain the same active ingredient. Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements. The following interactions are of particular clinical importance:

• Other antihypertensive medicines: the blood pressure lowering effect of amlodipine may be enhanced when taken alongside other medicines that lower blood pressure.
• Simvastatin: concurrent use may increase simvastatin levels in the blood. The dose of simvastatin should not exceed 20mg per day in patients taking amlodipine.
• Ciclosporin and tacrolimus: amlodipine may increase blood levels of these immunosuppressant medicines, requiring dose adjustment and monitoring.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clarithromycin: these may increase amlodipine blood levels and the risk of side effects including low blood pressure.
• Grapefruit juice: can increase amlodipine blood levels and should be avoided during treatment.

This is not a complete list of interactions. Your prescriber will carry out a full clinical assessment, including a review of your current medicines, before any prescription is considered.

Amlodipine SF Oral Solution is a Prescription Only Medicine. The clinical consultation is the essential first step. A prescription will only be issued if a registered prescriber determines, based on their individual assessment of your circumstances, that this medicine is clinically appropriate for you.

During your online consultation with Pharmacy Planet, a registered prescriber will review your clinical information. This includes your blood pressure readings, relevant medical history, current medicines, swallowing ability or other reasons for requiring a liquid formulation, and any other factors relevant to treatment suitability. Where you are seeking a repeat prescription, the prescriber will also assess whether your current treatment remains appropriate.

Not all consultations will result in a prescription being issued. The prescriber may recommend a different dose, a different formulation, or suggest that a face-to-face appointment with your GP is more appropriate. This process is designed to ensure your safety.

If you are already being managed for hypertension or angina by your GP or a hospital team, please keep them informed of all medicines you are taking, including any prescribed through online services.

• Store below 25°C.
• Store upright in the original bottle to prevent leakage and protect from light.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle. Once opened, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for the in-use shelf life, as liquid medicines may have a shorter period of use after opening than their stated expiry date.
• Do not dispose of medicines via household waste or wastewater. Return unused or out-of-date medicine to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

Full storage instructions, including the in-use shelf life after opening, are provided in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The table below compares liquid oral solution products available at Pharmacy Planet. These formulations provide the same active ingredients as standard tablets or capsules in a liquid form, suitable for patients who have difficulty swallowing solid oral medicines.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy providing prescription medicines through a clinically led consultation process. Our registered prescribers and pharmacists are committed to patient safety, responsible prescribing, and accurate patient information. We follow GPhC standards, MHRA guidance, and ASA advertising regulations in all aspects of our service.

Our pharmacy team is available to answer questions about Amlodipine SF Oral Solution, liquid medicine formulations, or cardiovascular health more broadly. We are committed to providing clear, honest information to support you in managing your health safely and with confidence.

References

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). Amlodipine SF Oral Solution 5mg/5ml — Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc. Accessed August 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG136. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136. Accessed August 2026.
3. NHS. Amlodipine. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/amlodipine. Accessed August 2026.
4. Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (BNF). Amlodipine. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed August 2026.
5. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card — report a side effect. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed August 2026.