Q. How many times a day should tablet Amlodipine be taken for high blood pressure?

Hi doctor,

I have a very high blood pressure of 210 and was prescribed Amlodipine 5mg and Amlodipine Besylate 5mg; and I am taking one tablet once daily for hypertension and also taking a second pill Ramipril HCT 5/12.5mg to take one tablet once daily to replace the tablet Telmisartan.

How many times should I take these two medications every day, and any other things I should be doing to lower blood pressure?

Maybe I could take Amlodipine at 11 am with a tall glass of water before working on an empty stomach and then Ramipril HCT seconds later with another full glass of water. My shift is from 12 pm to 8 pm as private buildings and school cleaner. Or maybe you suggest I take the newest medication, Amlodipine, in the evening an hour before bed on an empty stomach so this way I split the medication two ways each day but not sure if it is more effective to take this way than taking the two different blood pressure medications at once. I still feel fine. I do not have any dizziness, headaches, or pain and will be under 200 pounds by next week. I am a 5 feet 7 inches male aged 52.

Please help, doctor.

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

I heard the pharmacist say something about splitting the medication, and your way must be what she was referring to. My doctor told me I could be off the blood pressure medication, but that would only be when my blood pressure is more of a normal level. Do you suggest I take a multi-vitamin or a mineral supplement and Coenzyme Q-10 daily? I heard Coenzyme Q-10 lowers blood pressure effectively, but not sure if you suggest I take this along with my two medications.

Also, do you recommend a 24-hour fast I do once a week, such as on a saturday or sunday? I would drink water, green tea, and maybe lemon juice. Which one would you recommend first thing in the morning during a 24-hour fast? Saturday is probably the best day for me as I am off every wednesdays and weekend after working 32 hours a week. The female pharmacist thought it was a good idea, but not sure if you will suggest fasting while on these blood pressure medications. It would cause me to lose weight faster.

Thank you.