What Is Levamlodipine? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Levamlodipine (brand name Conjupri) is a prescription blood pressure medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2019. It belongs to a class of drugs called dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and children 6 years and older. It is the purified active form of amlodipine (Norvasc)—one of the world's most prescribed antihypertensive drugs.

What Is Levamlodipine and How Is It Different from Amlodipine?

Amlodipine is what chemists call a racemic mixture—it contains two mirror-image molecules (called enantiomers) in equal amounts: (S)-amlodipine and (R)-amlodipine. Research has shown that only the (S) form—levamlodipine—actually blocks calcium channels in blood vessel walls and lowers blood pressure. The (R) form contributes no therapeutic benefit.

By isolating just the active (S) enantiomer, levamlodipine allows doctors to prescribe an effective blood pressure medication at half the dose. Clinical studies confirm that 2.5 mg of levamlodipine provides blood pressure reduction equivalent to 5 mg of amlodipine. This also means fewer peripheral edema events—the most common and often most bothersome side effect of amlodipine.

What Is Levamlodipine Used For?

The FDA-approved indication for levamlodipine (Conjupri) is:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) — in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older. It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

By lowering blood pressure, levamlodipine reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. It is most commonly prescribed in two scenarios:

As a first-line antihypertensive when a CCB is clinically preferred and lower edema risk is a priority

As a switch option for patients already on amlodipine who are experiencing peripheral edema

Levamlodipine Dosage: What Are the Standard Doses?

Levamlodipine (Conjupri) comes in three tablet strengths: 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, and 5 mg. All doses are taken orally, once per day, with or without food.

Adults (standard): Starting dose 2.5 mg once daily; maximum dose 5 mg once daily

Elderly patients / hepatic impairment: Starting dose 1.25 mg once daily, titrated cautiously

Children (6-17 years): 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg once daily; maximum 2.5 mg per day

Dose titration: Your doctor may increase your dose after 7-14 days if your blood pressure is not at goal. The medication reaches steady-state blood levels after about 7-8 days of daily dosing, so it takes about 1-2 weeks to see the full effect of each dose.

How Do You Take Levamlodipine?

Take it once daily at any time of day

Can be taken with or without food (food does not affect absorption)

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice (can increase drug levels)

Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels

If you miss a dose by more than 12 hours, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time—don't double up

Is Levamlodipine a Controlled Substance?

No. Levamlodipine is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. It is a standard prescription medication. It can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber, called in or electronically sent to any pharmacy, and refilled without special limitations beyond standard prescription rules.

Who Makes Levamlodipine?

Brand-name Conjupri is manufactured by CSPC Ouyi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (China) and marketed in the U.S. by Wraser Pharmaceuticals. Generic levamlodipine maleate is also available from multiple manufacturers. The drug has been marketed in China since 2003 under the trade name Xuanning and received FDA approval in December 2019.

Common Questions Patients Have

Can I stop taking levamlodipine if I feel better? No. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Even when you feel fine, your blood pressure may still be elevated. Never stop your blood pressure medication without talking to your doctor.

How long does it take for levamlodipine to work? Initial blood pressure lowering begins within 24-48 hours, but full effect at a given dose takes 7-8 days to develop.

Is levamlodipine safe during pregnancy? It is not known whether levamlodipine is safe during pregnancy. Discuss risks and alternatives with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

The Bottom Line

Levamlodipine (Conjupri) is an effective, FDA-approved antihypertensive that offers the blood pressure control of amlodipine with fewer peripheral edema side effects. It's taken once daily and is suitable for adults and children 6 and older. For a deep dive on how it actually works in the body, see our article on how levamlodipine works (mechanism of action).