How to use Norvasc
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking amlodipine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, check the manufacturer's information or ask your pharmacist for specific directions. Some brands of the liquid form should be shaken before use, while other brands do not need to be shaken before use. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction:
In rare cases, when you first start taking amlodipine, your chest pain may get worse or you could have a heart attack. chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating. Seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as:
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- worsening chest pain; or
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
- dizziness, drowsiness;
- swelling of your legs or ankles;
- irregular heartbeat;
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
- muscle stiffness;
- uncontrolled muscle movements;
- feeling tired;
Precautions
Risk factors: History of narrow heart valves (aortic stenosis)
Risk factors: Severe coronary artery disease
Amlodipine (Norvasc) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severely low blood pressure
Amlodipine (Norvasc) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much, which can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This is a common side effect of blood pressure medications, especially when starting the medication and when the dose is raised. Your risk is higher if you have a history of aortic stenosis (narrower heart valves). If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel too dizzy, make sure to sit down slowly while holding onto something. Let your provider know because they might need to adjust the dose of your medication. If you fall and hit your head, get medical help right away.
Heart attack and chest pain
It's possible for some people to experience worsening chest pain or develop a heart attack while taking amlodipine (Norvasc). The risk is higher when you first start this medication when your dose is raised. Your risk is higher if you have a heart problem called coronary artery disease(CAD). Get medical help right away if you experience dizziness, anxiety, chest pain, pressure in the chest, heartburn, trouble breathing, nausea, or vomiting.
Adults: The typical dose ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum dose is 10 mg daily.
Children 6 years of age or older: The typical dose ranges from 2.5 mg to 5 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum dose is 5 mg daily.
FAQs
Amlodipine is a prescription drug. It comes as a tablet you take by mouth.
Amlodipine is available as the brand-name drug Norvasc. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.
Amlodipine may be taken in combination with other heart or blood pressure medications.
Why it’s used
Amlodipine is used to lower your blood pressure.
Amlodipine is also used to help blood flow more easily to your heart when the arteries in your heart are blocked.
Amlodipine is also used to treat coronary artery disease and angina (chest pain).
This drug can be used alone or in combination with other heart or blood pressure medications.
How it works
Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Amlodipine blocks calcium from entering certain tissues and arteries. This makes it easier for them to relax so that blood can flow more easily to your heart. This in turn helps lower your blood pressure, and reduces your risk of heart attack or stroke. If you’re taking amlodipine for chest pain, this drug reduces your risk of hospitalization and surgeries due to chest pain
