Amlodipine

[morgan54]

Hi

I was diagnosed with NTG recently. I have hypertension and have been on amlodipine for 5 years.

I have just come across an article of amlodipine being linked with glaucoma.

I would be grateful if anyone could tell me the most up to date info about this?

[Wellingtonwearer]

Hi morgan54. I am in a similar situation. I was recently diagnosed with secondary open angle glaucoma and, like you, I had been on Amlodipine for a few years. After my diagnosis (which came as a complete shock) my BP readings were very high so my doctor increased my Amlodipine from 5 to 10 mg. I then read a couple of articles linking Amlodipine (and other calcium channel blockers) with an increased risk of glaucoma so discussed this with my GP. Whilst he was unaware of any increased risk, and said he had many patients with glaucoma who take Amlodipine, he agreed to change me to Ramipril. I feel happier now that I’m no longer taking Amlodipine. If there’s even the slightest chance of it causing an increase in glaucoma then I’d rather not take that risk.

[morgan54 in reply to Wellingtonwearer]

Hi wellington, thanks for sharing your experience with us. I've been on Amlodipine (5mg) and Bisoplolol (5mg) over 5 years without any problem. Recently (shortly after NTG diagnosis), I had a few cardiac problems( shortness of breath, palpitation. chest pain), I ended up at A&E. they felt my BP was a bit too low and reduced Amlodipine to 2.5mg. I'm waiting for an appointment with cardiologist at the moment. I have had a bad reaction to ACE inhibitor and ARBs, I don't think much option to change the meds. As for my NTG, I had a bad reaction (cardiac) to Latanoprost and Timolol and ended up calling ambulance. So, no eye drops currently. I have been checking IOP at local optician every 4 weeks. Pressure averaging (13/14). I'm waiting for eye hospital appointment for next course of action, however my eye hospital will be closed for building repair work for next 6 months. I'm at a loss what to do.

[Unimog]

I also have read these articles as I am on amlodopine too. I asked on this forum several years ago and they checked with a specialist and said it was ok to continue. I still have concerns about it as my glaucoma seemed to develop after 6 months on the drug. I had always had regular eye checks with no sign of any problem but when had eyes tested on regular yearly review it was discovered that I had already had a bleed and pressures were at 24. I have no family ever diagnosed with glaucoma. After several changes of eye drops I am stable at the moment and have been for 12 months but can’t get pressure below 15. Blood pressure also stable at 120/65. I have tried beta blockers instead of amlodopine but made me very dizzy and balance problems. I do not think there is an easy answer but I made the decision that as all was reasonably ok at the minute I would monitor closely. I am 79 and have just been given a 3 year lic by DVLA after only having a one year one before. I see a private specialist every 6 months as NHS will only see me yearly if that. My optician also checks me as well. Not over happy having to pay but it gives me some peace of mind. If you or anyone else has any further info please post. Hope this helps

[carrotandparsnip]

hi morgan54. I'm in a similar situation. I've been on Amlodipine for some years and have just been diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma. I do have a family history of glaucoma.

[Iona57]

That's very interesting! I've been on amlodipine for about ten years. I was diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma mid 2022. Ive also been on steroid inhalers for asthma since 2017 which can raise eye pressure.Yes, a quick google shows glaucoma risk is increased on amlodipine, but it doesn't necessarily increase eye pressure. I wonder if it continues to adversely affect eyes even if they are being treated? Oh dear, something else to worry about! I'll ask at my next hospital appointment.

Sorry, no answers for you, just more questions!