Norvasc

amlodipine

Norvasc is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

Norvasc is also used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. When used for angina, this medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

What is Norvasc?

Norvasc is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. It dilates blood vessels and slows the heart to reduce blood pressure and the pain of angina.

Before taking Norvasc

You should not take Norvasc if you are allergic to amlodipine.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

Before taking Norvasc, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease.

If you are also taking a beta-blocker drug (such as Blocadren, Corgard, Inderal, Normodyne, Tenormin, Toprol, Trandate, Zebeta, and others) do not suddenly stop using the beta-blocker without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Stopping a beta-blocker too quickly can cause serious heart problems that will not be prevented by Norvasc.

How should I take Norvasc?

Take Norvasc exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Norvasc is usually taken once daily. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

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.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost tim for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Norvasc side effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; drowsiness; fatigue; flushing; headache; muscle cramps; nausea; stomach pain; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; difficulty breathing; fast or irregular heartbeat; pounding in the chest; swelling of feet or legs; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; worsening chest pain; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication.

Overdose symptoms may include warmth or tingly feeling, severe dizziness, and fainting.

Precautions

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Norvasc. Alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Norvasc.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. 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 Norvasc or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.

Norvasc may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Norvasc passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are taking.

There may be other drugs that can interact with Norvasc. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Norvasc. If you have any other questions, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.