Norvasc (Amlodipine)

Norvasc (Amlodipine) Medication Information:

What is Norvasc?

Norvasc is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, and coronary artery diseases such as angina. Norvasc belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers (CCB) and it contains the active ingredient Amlodipine. The medicine works by relaxing the blood vessels and preventing them from narrowing so that blood can flow easily. It can be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure and angina.

Benefits and Uses of Norvasc:

Norvasc is used for the treatment of certain health conditions, including:

• High blood pressure:: Norvasc helps to lower blood pressure and also reduces the risk of cardiovascular events such as strokes, and heart attacks.
• Angina or chest pain: Norvasc is also used to relieve the pain caused due to Angina. Angina is a condition in which the heart does not get enough blood. This leads to a squeezing pain or discomfort in the chest. Sometimes the pain can be felt in the shoulders, neck, jaws, arms, or back.

Side Effects of Norvasc:

Patients taking Norvasc may experience some mild or moderate side effects, including:

• Swelling of your legs or ankles (Edema).
• Tiredness, dizziness, and sleepiness.
• Stomach pain, and nausea.
• Flushing

Norvasc can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical treatment, including:

• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
• Very fast heartbeat (heart palpitations).
• Tremor or abnormal muscle movement.
• Trouble breathing.
• Worsening chest pain.
• Heart attack symptoms such as pain in the chest, jaw, or arm, shortness of breath, and sweating.

How to use Norvasc?

Norvasc comes in the form of tablets in three different strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg. The tablet is taken once a day, with or without food as prescribed by your doctor.

The recommended initial dose of Norvasc for adults is 5mg once daily, and the maximum dose is 10mg once daily. The recommended dose of Norvasc for children (6–17 years) is 2.5mg to 5mg once daily.

The patient should take the medicine regularly at the same time every day. In case you forget to take a dose of Norvasc, take it as soon as possible. But if it is time for the next dose, skip that dose and take it at your regular time.

Patients taking Norvasc can also take nitroglycerin for angina. They should not stop taking other blood pressure or heart medicines without consulting their doctors.

Norvasc Drug Interactions:

Norvasc may interact with other medications including:

• CYP3A inhibitors.
• CYP3A Inducers.
• Sildenafil
• Simvastatin
• Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus.

Safety Information:

• Do not use Norvasc if you have an allergy to amlodipine or any other drug ingredients.
• Before starting a new treatment, tell your doctor if you have had any medical conditions, including heart or liver diseases.
• Do not take Norvasc with medications that contain simvastatin.
• Talk to your doctor about the safety of Norvasc if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of low blood pressure, or your angina may get worse after taking Norvasc.
• Norvasc is not approved for use in children under 6 years of age.
• Do not take alcoholic beverages while using Norvasc.
• Avoid driving or using any machinery that requires alertness just after taking Norvasc.

References:

• https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=562
• https://www.drugs.com/norvasc.html
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5942/norvasc-oral/details