PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsMedium
A pharmacy technician is assisting a patient who is concerned about taking 'amlodipine 5 mg daily' because they heard it can cause swelling in their legs. Which of the following is the most appropriate response?
- AThat's a common side effect, but it usually goes away after a few weeks.
- BAmlodipine is known to cause peripheral edema, but a pharmacist can discuss management options.
- CYou must be mistaken; amlodipine does not cause swelling.
- DYou should stop taking the medication immediately if you experience any swelling.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Amlodipine is known to cause peripheral edema, but a pharmacist can discuss management options.
Peripheral edema (swelling in the legs/ankles) is a very common and dose-dependent side effect of amlodipine and other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. The technician should acknowledge this and refer the patient to the pharmacist for clinical advice.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While it can improve, stating it 'usually goes away' is an oversimplification and clinical advice.
- C. This statement is incorrect and dismisses a valid patient concern.
- D. Advising a patient to stop medication is outside the technician's scope and potentially dangerous.
Amlodipine Side Effects
Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, commonly causes dose-dependent peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles/legs) due to vasodilation.
- Peripheral edema is a common, often bothersome, side effect.
- Other side effects include headache, flushing, and dizziness.
- Technicians should identify and refer such concerns to a pharmacist.
Memory trick: Technicians 'Refer' clinical questions, like a relay race.