Comparison of peripheral edema in patient taking 2.5mg, 5mg versus 10mg Amlodipine for hypertension in AIMS Hospital Muzaffarabad AJK

Abstract

Background: Amlodipine, a widely prescribed calcium channel blocker for hypertension, is associated with dose-dependent peripheral edema. However, the extent of edema across different dosages remains a subject of clinical concern.
Aim: This study aimed to compare the incidence and severity of peripheral edema in hypertensive patients receiving 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg of Amlodipine.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Medicine, AIMS, Muzaffarabad, AJK, from October 2024 to January 2025. A total of 240 hypertensive patients were randomly assigned to three groups receiving 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg of Amlodipine. Peripheral edema was assessed using clinical grading and patient-reported symptoms over a four-weeks follow-up. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and ANOVA to compare the incidence and severity of edema across groups.
Results: The incidence of peripheral edema was significantly higher in the 10 mg group (28.75%) compared to the 5 mg (13.75%) and 2.5 mg (7.5%) groups (p < 0.05). Patients on 10 mg also reported more severe edema, particularly in the lower extremities. The difference in edema occurrence between the 5 mg and 2.5 mg groups was statistically significant, indicating a dose-dependent effect.
Conclusion: Higher doses of Amlodipine were associated with an increased risk of peripheral edema, with the 10 mg dose showing the highest prevalence. Clinicians should consider these findings when prescribing Amlodipine, particularly in patients prone to fluid retention.