Drug Name

Norvasc (Amlodipine)

Drug Uses

Norvasc is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat angina (chest pain). Norvasc may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How to use

Norvasc comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day. Norvasc may cause an upset stomach. Take Norvasc with food or milk. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells lining the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Since calcium is important in muscle contraction, blocking calcium transport relaxes artery muscles and dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. By relaxing coronary arteries, amlodipine is useful in preventing chest pain (angina) resulting from coronary artery spasm. Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body lowers the blood pressure, which reduces the burden on the heart as it pumps blood to the body. Reducing heart burden lessens the heart muscle's demand for oxygen, and further helps to prevent angina in patients with coronary artery disease.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage

Store bottles at controlled room temperature, 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) and dispense in tight, light-resistant containers.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Norvasc, tell your doctor if you have liver disease; or another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. You may not be able to take Norvasc, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Norvasc is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Norvasc will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Norvasc passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Norvasc and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives
• unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
• chest pain;
• severe dizziness or fainting;
• psychosis;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Norvasc and talk to your doctor if you experience

• fatigue or tiredness;
• headache;
• insomnia;
• vivid or abnormal dreams;
• flushing;
• abdominal pain;
• nausea, diarrhea, or constipation; or
• increased or difficult urination.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

More Information

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Norvasc