Generic name: amlodipine (am LOE di peen)
Brand name: Norvasc
Drug class: Calcium channel blocking agents
Norvasc (amlodipine) is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Norvasc is used to treat chest pain (angina) and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease.
Norvasc is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Amlodipine is for use in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.
Warnings
Before taking Norvasc, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Norvasc.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Norvasc even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Norvasc is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are taking.
Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking this medicine or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Norvasc if you are allergic to amlodipine.
To make sure Norvasc is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease; or
- a heart valve problem called aortic stenosis.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether Norvasc will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications such as diabetes or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating hypertension may outweigh any risks to the baby.
Amlodipine can pass into breast milk, but effects on the nursing baby are not known. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Norvasc is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
How should I take Norvasc?
Take Norvasc exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take Norvasc with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking Norvasc or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Norvasc even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your hypertension or heart condition may be treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or stop taking any of your medications without your doctor's advice. This is especially important if you also take nitroglycerin.
Norvasc is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include rapid heartbeats, redness or warmth in your arms or legs, or fainting.
What to avoid
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Norvasc side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Norvasc: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, when you first start taking Norvasc, your angina may get worse or you could have a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
- worsening chest pain;
- swelling in your feet or ankles;
- severe drowsiness; or
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
Common Norvasc side effects may include:
- dizziness, drowsiness;
- feeling tired;
- stomach pain, nausea; or
- flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
- swelling in your ankles and lower part of your legs.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Norvasc?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
- nitroglycerin;
- simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin); or
- any other heart or blood pressure medications.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with amlodipine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.