Amlodipine is a widely prescribed medication used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). While it’s effective at relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, what you eat, drink, or combine it with can dramatically impact how well it works—and even put your health at risk.

In this guide, we break down 12 foods, supplements, and medications that may interfere with Amlodipine. Backed by scientific studies and medical insight, these are things every patient should be aware of.

✅ Quick Reminder: Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication or adding new supplements.

💊 First, What Is Amlodipine?

Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by preventing calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This helps relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve oxygen delivery to the heart.

However, certain substances can affect how Amlodipine is metabolized in the liver or enhance/reduce its effects.

⚠️ 12 Things You Should Never Mix With Amlodipine

12. Alcohol

Alcohol can increase Amlodipine’s side effects—like dizziness, fatigue, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. In severe cases, it can lead to fainting or falls. It also impacts blood pressure on its own, making the combination unpredictable.

Advice: Avoid alcohol or drink only under medical supervision.

11. Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit blocks the CYP3A4 enzyme, which your liver uses to break down Amlodipine. This can cause the drug to build up in your bloodstream, increasing the risk of side effects like swelling, flushing, and low blood pressure.

Advice: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on Amlodipine.

10. Simvastatin

Taking Simvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug) with Amlodipine increases the risk of muscle pain, weakness, and rhabdomyolysis (a rare but serious muscle breakdown).

Advice: Talk to your doctor about lowering the Simvastatin dose or switching to a safer statin like Atorvastatin or Pravastatin.

9. Ginseng

Though often used to boost energy, ginseng can raise blood pressure and interfere with drug metabolism, reducing the effectiveness of Amlodipine and increasing heart risks.

Advice: Avoid using ginseng unless approved by your doctor.

8. Antifungal Medications (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole)

These drugs can increase Amlodipine levels in your blood by inhibiting liver enzymes, leading to excessive blood pressure drops, fatigue, or heart complications.

Advice: Let your doctor know if you’re on antifungals while taking Amlodipine.

7. Diltiazem & Verapamil

These are also calcium channel blockers. Taking them with Amlodipine can amplify effects, leading to dangerously low blood pressure or slow heart rate.

Advice: Avoid combining unless under strict medical guidance.

6. St. John’s Wort

This herbal remedy for depression speeds up Amlodipine metabolism, reducing its levels in the body. The result? Less blood pressure control and a risk of rebound hypertension.

Advice: Don’t use St. John’s Wort unless your doctor approves.

5. Licorice

Found in candies and herbal supplements, licorice reduces potassium levels and may lead to irregular heartbeat and higher blood pressure.

Advice: Avoid licorice in all forms—including teas and flavorings—if you're taking Amlodipine.

4. Goldenseal

This herb, often used to fight infections, inhibits liver enzymes that break down Amlodipine—leading to excessive drug buildup, dizziness, and dangerous drops in blood pressure.

Advice: Skip goldenseal while on this medication.

3. High-Fat Meals

Eating high-fat foods can slow down Amlodipine absorption, delaying its effectiveness. Fatty diets also counteract cardiovascular goals.

Advice: Stick to heart-healthy meals with lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables.

2. Caffeine

Caffeine raises blood pressure and works against Amlodipine’s effects. It can also cause palpitations and headaches.

Advice: Limit caffeine to under 200 mg/day—about one regular cup of coffee.

1. NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.)

NSAIDs can reduce Amlodipine’s effectiveness, raise blood pressure, and damage kidneys—especially if you already have kidney concerns.

Advice: Use only with doctor’s approval. Ask about safer pain relief options.

🩺 Final Thoughts

Amlodipine is a powerful medication—but like all medications, its success depends on how you use it. Many common foods and drugs can either enhance or block its effects, sometimes in harmful ways.

✅ What You Should Do:

• Check labels on supplements, drinks, and medications.
• Discuss any new drugs or herbal products with your doctor.
• Stick to a heart-healthy diet to support the medication’s benefits.

Your health isn't just about what you take—but also what you avoid.