* Generic Name: amlodipine besylate
* Brand Name: Norvasc
* What is amlodipine?
* What are the possible side effects of amlodipine?
* What is the most important information I should know about
amlodipine?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
amlodipine?
* How should I take amlodipine?
* What happens if I miss a dose?
* What happens if I overdose?
* What should I avoid while taking amlodipine?
* What other drugs will affect amlodipine?
* Where can I get more information?
What is amlodipine?
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens)
blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Amlodipine is used to treat chest pain (angina) and other
conditions caused by coronary artery disease.
Amlodipine 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.
Amlodipine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of amlodipine?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
In rare cases, when you first start taking amlodipine, 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 side effects may include:
* dizziness;
* feeling tired;
* stomach pain, nausea; or
* flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).
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 is the most important information I should know about amlodipine?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
and all medicines you use.
Norvasc Patient Information including How Should I Take
High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension
High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Salt Quiz!
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amlodipine?
You should not take amlodipine if you are allergic to it.
To make sure amlodipine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* liver disease; or
* a heart valve problem called aortic stenosis.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Amlodipine can pass into breast milk, but effects on the nursing baby
are not known. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Amlodipine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
How should I take amlodipine?
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 amlodipine 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 amlodipine
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 amlodipine
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.
Amlodipine 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.
Norvasc Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension
High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Salt Quiz!
Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started
Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures
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 should I avoid while taking amlodipine?
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.
What other drugs will affect amlodipine?
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.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about amlodipine.
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