What is the Difference Between Amlodipine and Amlodipine Besylate?

Amlodipine and amlodipine besylate are both used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain caused by heart disease (angina). The main difference between the two is that amlodipine is the active ingredient, while amlodipine besylate is a salt form of amlodipine that helps with drug delivery.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body. Amlodipine besylate, on the other hand, is a combination of amlodipine with another salt, such as maleate, mesylate, or besylate, to help improve drug delivery and absorption.

In summary, the key differences between amlodipine and amlodipine besylate are:

Amlodipine is the active ingredient, while amlodipine besylate is a salt form of amlodipine.
Amlodipine besylate is used to improve drug delivery and absorption.

Both medications are effective in treating high blood pressure and chest pain caused by heart disease, and they have similar side effects, such as headaches, flushing, tiredness, and swollen ankles. One notable difference between the two is that amlodipine can only be used in humans, while amlodipine besylate can be used in both humans and animals.

On this page

What is the Difference Between Amlodipine and Amlodipine Besylate?

Comparative Table: Amlodipine vs Amlodipine Besylate

Amlodipine and Amlodipine Besylate are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and coronary artery disease, but they have some differences in their composition and usage. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature	Amlodipine	Amlodipine Besylate
Active Ingredient	Amlodipine is the active ingredient in both medications	Amlodipine Besylate is a combination of amlodipine and a salt form called besylate
Usage	Amlodipine is used only in humans	Amlodipine Besylate can be used in both humans and animals
Formulations	Amlodipine is available in various formulations, such as amlodipine maleate, amlodipine mesylate, and amlodipine besylate	Amlodipine Besylate is the most commonly used derivative of amlodipine for the preparation of various dosage forms
Differences	There is no notable difference in peripheral blood pressure between the two drugs	The main difference between the two is the salt form included in Amlodipine Besylate, which helps with dissolution, absorption, and overall effectiveness of the medication

Both medications are calcium channel blockers, and their adverse effects are typical of this class of drugs, including peripheral edema (swelling, mainly in the feet and ankles), lightheadedness, tiredness, stomach pain, and nausea.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.