Amlodipine vs. Hydrochlorothiazide: What’s the Difference?
Key takeaways:
Amlodipine (Norvasc, Norliqva, Katerzia) and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) are different types of blood pressure medications. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, while hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic.
Both medications are FDA approved to treat high blood pressure. But amlodipine can also treat chest pain, and hydrochlorothiazide can help lessen edema (swelling from fluid buildup).
Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide are both available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide are two of the most popular medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they are fundamentally distinct medicines that work in different ways. Because they affect the body so differently, they are often used for different health conditions. Here’s what you need to know.
What are amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide used for?
Amlodipine (Norvasc, Norliqva, Katerzia) and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) work in unique ways. This is why they can treat different health conditions, but it’s also why they can team up and be used together.
Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing (widening) blood vessels, improving blood flow, and making it easier for the heart to pump blood. Amlodipine can treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) from coronary artery disease.
On the other hand, hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (“water pill”). It increases how much fluid your body releases in urine. It can be used to treat high blood pressure and certain forms of edema (swelling from fluid buildup).
How are amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide administered?
Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide come in different formulations and dosages. They can be prescribed alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications.
Formulations
Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide are available in several formulations. Both come as generic and brand-name products, too.
Amlodipine
Norvasc and generic amlodipine: 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg tablets
Norliqva: 1 mg/mL liquid solution
Katerzia: 1 mg/mL liquid suspension
Hydrochlorothiazide
Generic hydrochlorothiazide: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg tablets
Microzide and generic hydrochlorothiazide: 12.5 mg capsules
Dosing
Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide are both usually taken once daily. But specific dosages vary depending on the person and the health condition you’re looking to treat.
In general, adults who are prescribed amlodipine take 5 mg once daily. If a higher dose is needed, your healthcare provider may slowly increase your dose over time up to a maximum daily dose of 10 mg. The higher 10 mg dose is more common for coronary artery disease.
The usual dose for adults taking hydrochlorothiazide is 25 mg. Your dose may be higher or lower depending on what you’re taking it for and how you respond to the medication.
Your healthcare provider will need to assess your health to recommend a dosing schedule that is right for you. For both medications, dosage adjustments may be recommended based on your age, health status, and possible medication interactions. Other medications you’re taking can also impact your dosages.
Combination products
It’s common to take multiple blood pressure medications at the same time. They use different strategies to help get your blood pressure under control. Sometimes, two blood pressure medications are combined in a single pill. Taking multiple medications in a single pill can help simplify your medication regimen.
Some examples of combination products containing amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide are listed in the table below.
| Amlodipine is available in combination with: | Hydrochlorothiazide is available in combination with: |
|---|---|
|
|
What’s more, some medications combine amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide themselves into a single pill: Exforge HCT (amlodipine / valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) and Tribenzor (olmesartan / amlodipine / hydrochlorothiazide).
What are common side effects of amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide?
The most common amlodipine side effects include: associated with amlodipine include
Swelling of the ankles or legs (peripheral edema)
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Fast heartbeat
Rarely, amlodipine can cause severe low blood pressure and/or worsening angina (chest pain).
Hydrochlorothiazide side effects most often include:
Muscle cramps and weakness
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Higher blood sugar
Nausea
If you have a sulfa allergy, there’s a chance you may experience an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide. Speak with your healthcare provider about your allergy before starting hydrochlorothiazide. Your healthcare provider will also monitor for changes in electrolyte levels and raised blood sugar levels while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide.
Do amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide interact with any medications?
Yes. Like all medications, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide can interact with a few medications and supplements.
Common amlodipine interactions include:
Simvastatin (Zocor, FloLipid)
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Transplant medications like cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Medications that contain ritonavir, such as Paxlovid
Common hydrochlorothiazide interactions include:
Diabetes medications like insulin
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine (Prevalite)
How to save on amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide
Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide are available as brand-name medications. But you can also find them as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you navigate the many ways to save on your prescription.
Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price of the generic versions of amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide. Generic amlodipine’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $11.59 with a free GoodRx discount. Generic hydrochlorothiazide’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $7.17 with a free GoodRx discount.
Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Norvasc’s and Microzide’s patient assistance programs, which offer the medication at no charge.
Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance and meet eligibility requirements, brand-name Norvasc’s price is as little as $0 if you use the manufacturer’s savings card.
The bottom line
Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide are both blood pressure medications, but they work differently. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, while hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic. They also have different formulations, side effects, and interactions. However, they’re both usually taken once daily.
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References
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. (2023). Hydrochlorothiazide [package insert].
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2022). Amlodipine besylate [package insert].
