Isosorbide Mononitrate instead of amlodopine

[2o2olockdown]

hi, unfortunately my wife picked up my Isosorbide Mononitrate tablets instead of her amlodopine tablets. She has taken the wrong tablets for 2 weeks. I do tell her to wear her glasses 😱

She has been suffering from headaches, swollen ankles and fatigue .

will the mistake have exacerbated her symptoms?

TIA

[Hidden]

Dear You

I would contact 111 and follow their guidance, write down all the doses / strength etc

Good luck

[Carercmb]

yes I would ring 111 as suggested . I would have thought not taking her amlodopine is causing some of the symptoms

[2o2olockdown in reply to Carercmb]

thanks to you and blue1958, I’ll do that

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Amlodopine is a CCI (calcium channel inhibitior). The main side effect of these is swelling of the ankles (oedema). I had huge problems with Amlodopine. My then GP then added a diuretic but eventually took me off both. Another CCI, Diltazem, did not cause oedema.

Amlodopine is prescribed for BP or angina. If your wife was prescribed it for BP it needs to be checked urgently. Anything over 180/100 (either figure) really means a trip to A&E. If it is not as others have suggested ring 111.

Can you two not keep your medications in separate locations?

[2o2olockdown in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for your reply, thankfully her BP has reduced and the doctor halved her amlodopine and prescribed another drug for the kidneys, what surprised me was that I thought we did keep them separate 😱

[Carercmb in reply to 2o2olockdown]

accidents happen with the best of us so don’t worry . As long as she is ok.

[gladliz in reply to 2o2olockdown]

Before now my partner has taken my ramipril instead of his amlodopine. This is in spite of the fact that we each have our own 'pill boxes' and the ramipril is a green and white capsule and the amlodopine a small white pill. 😕😕

[Dessert in reply to MichaelJH]

I’m on Amlodopine . I’ve been having swollen ankles for about a year. A few days ago my ankles swelled up severely and so did my calves . My calves became very tight. Today I have swelling of my tongue and tingling , breathing problems and tightness of my chest and chest pain.

My sister was on Amlodopine and she had swollen ankles. I think it’s the Amlodopine I’m going to stop taking it from today . Bank holiday so can’t contact my GP until then and very hard to get appointment in normal circumstances

I have unstable angina and had two heart attacks

What do you think about Ramipril ? I’m on Diltiazem

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Dessert]

Please bear in mind I am not medically qualified just read the book, had a quadruple bypass (is that a smart motorway) and got the T-shirt. Amolodopine is notorious for oedema (much more that other Calcium Channel Inhibitors such as Diltiazem).

I suggest you ring 111 as they will arrange for a GP telphone consulatiom. Ramipril is an ACE Inhibitor. These (I am on Lisinopril) are generally tolerated well although some develop a dry cough.

Have you had stents or a bypass, or are you awaiting any procedure?

[Qualipop in reply to Dessert]

Riing 111; your symptoms sound very much like an allergic reaction

[BHFnurse_June BHF Nurse in reply to Dessert]

Just to add in here, that if you experience symptoms such as swelling of the tongue, trouble breathing, or chest tightness you could be having a serious allergic reaction - so call 999 or go to A&E. Chest tightness/pain and breathing problems can also be symptoms of angina or a heart attack. If you experience chest pain that doesn’t go away after a few minutes rest - and after taking your nitrate medication if you’re prescribed it - call 999.

[benjijen]

Probably the headaches at least. Check with GP or 111.

[2o2olockdown in reply to benjijen]

Thanks benjijen

[Almafra]

scary but why don’t you both have your meds made up by the pharmacy into daily cassette packs. No room for mistakes then. All the best

[Beatle45 in reply to Almafra]

I’ve never heard of this. What is it and which pharmacy does it?

[gladliz in reply to Beatle45]

Quite a lot of pharmacies offer this service, Boots and Lloyds are the two that spring to mind but your local one may also offer similar. Basically instead of your meds coming in boxes from the pharmacy for you to sort out yourself each days meds come in a blister pack, one for each day of the week.

[Beatle45 in reply to gladliz]

Thank you very much for that information.

[dunestar]

Isosorbide mononitrate is well known for causing headaches or pressure in the head when you first start taking it. If your wife is already suffering with headaches the isosorbide won't have helped.

[2o2olockdown]

thanks everyone for your input. Thankfully her BP and symptoms are much better. Drugs now kept in different rooms and a pair of her reading glasses also in both rooms