What is Norvasc used for?
AMLODIPINE is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This results in relaxation of blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. Amlodipine lowers high blood pressure (hypertension). It also relieves different types of chest pains (angina). It is not a ultimate cure for the conditions listed above.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Norvasc?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- heart problems, including heart failure or aortic stenosis
- liver disease
- low blood pressure
- an unusual or allergic reaction to amlodipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Norvasc should be taken?
Take this medicine orally, swallowing it with a drink of water. It can be taken with or without food. Your doses should be taken at the regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking it except if your prescriber adviced you to do so.
Inquire with your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.
Senior patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need a smaller dosage.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Norvasc?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Norvasc with the other medicine/food/etc?
- antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
- barbiturates such as phenobarbital
- bosentan
- herbal or dietary supplements such as ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, St. John's wort, red yeast rice
- imatinib, STI-571
- local anesthetics or general anesthetics
- medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
- medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
- medicines for prostate problems
- medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, zonisamide)
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
- some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin)
- some medicines for heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil)
- some medicines for depression or mental problems (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone)
- water pills (diuretics)
- yohimbine
- zafirlukast
- zileuton
Provide your physician with a list of all the medicine, including herbs and non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you are using. Do let them know if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any of the illegal drugs or drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine, causing undesired consequenses. Please always consult with your health care professional prior to stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Norvasc?
Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking Amlodipine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and in what cases you should contact them.
You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how amlodipine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats.
Do not stop taking amlodipine suddenly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional how can you gradually reduce the dose.
If you are going to have a surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking amlodipine.
Does Norvasc have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- fainting spells, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- irregular heartbeat, chest pains, palpitations
- swelling of legs or ankles
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- drowsiness
- facial flushing
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
- stomach pain or gas
- weakness or fatigue
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I store Norvasc?
Keep out of the children’s reach in a container that cat not be opened by children.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect it from the light. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.