Amlodipine Pediatric Dose — Hypertension
Amlodipine is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that reduces systemic vascular resistance through selective inhibition of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. It is used in pediatric patients primarily for the management of hypertension. Its once-daily oral dosing and favorable tolerability profile make it a commonly utilized antihypertensive in the outpatient and inpatient pediatric setting.
Pediatric Dosing
- Initial dose (pediatric): 0.05 mg/kg/dose PO once daily
- Adult dose (for reference): 2.5–5 mg/dose PO once or twice daily
Doses should be titrated based on blood pressure response and tolerability. Consult institutional protocol for maximum single dose and titration intervals, as these are not specified in the source description.
Worked example: For a 20 kg child: 20 × 0.05 mg/kg = 1 mg PO once daily as the initial dose.
Indications and Clinical Context
Amlodipine is indicated for the treatment of pediatric hypertension, including both primary and secondary etiologies such as chronic kidney disease, coarctation of the aorta, or renovascular disease. It is a preferred agent in pediatric hypertension guidelines due to its predictable pharmacokinetics, once-daily dosing convenience, and well-characterized safety profile in children.
As a calcium channel blocker, amlodipine is particularly useful when vasodilatory antihypertensive therapy is appropriate. It does not require renal dose adjustment for most patients and is generally well tolerated across pediatric age groups. Titration should be guided by serial blood pressure measurements and clinical response.
Administration and Monitoring
Amlodipine is administered orally once daily and may be given with or without food. Commercially available tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg) may be compounded into an oral suspension for younger children or those unable to swallow tablets; verify concentration with pharmacy prior to dispensing. Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored at baseline and following each dose adjustment.
- Route: Oral (PO) only per source description
- Common adverse effects: Peripheral edema, flushing, headache, dizziness, reflex tachycardia
- Key caution: Use with caution in patients with severe aortic stenosis or hemodynamic instability
- Max dose: Not specified in source — consult institutional protocol
Disclaimer: This article is an educational reference summarizing standard pediatric dosing values. It is not a substitute for clinical judgment. Always verify doses against institutional protocols, the current edition of authoritative references (e.g., Lexicomp, Harriet Lane Handbook, PALS guidelines), the patient’s accurate weight, and any patient-specific factors (renal/hepatic function, allergies, comedications) before administration.