amlodipine – oral, Norvasc

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GENERIC NAME: AMLODIPINE – ORAL (am-LOE-di-peen)

BRAND NAME(S): Norvasc

USES: Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure. It helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow. It is also used to prevent chest pain (angina) and can help increase your ability to exercise and reduce angina attacks. However, it should not be used to treat chest pain attacks. If you experience chest pain, use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) as directed by your doctor.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage will be based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and take the medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Even if you feel well, continue taking the medication. Most people with high blood pressure do not experience symptoms. If you are using this medication for angina, take it regularly to be effective. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve angina attacks as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If your condition does not improve or worsens, such as if your blood pressure remains high or increases, or if chest pain continues or worsens, inform your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, swelling ankles/feet, or flushing may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly when transitioning from sitting or lying down. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefits outweigh the potential risks of side effects. Not everyone taking this medication experiences serious side effects. However, immediately inform your doctor if you experience any unlikely but serious side effects such as fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat or fainting. While amlodipine helps prevent chest pain, people with severe heart disease may occasionally experience worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting this medication or increasing the dose. Seek medical help immediately if you experience worsening chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating). A serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare, but seek immediate medical help if you notice any signs of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking amlodipine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (such as nisoldipine, nifedipine) or if you have any other allergies. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Discuss with your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have a certain structural heart problem (aortic stenosis), very low blood pressure, or liver disease. This drug may cause dizziness. Avoid activities that require alertness until you are sure you can safely perform them. Limit alcohol consumption. Before undergoing surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness. During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may alter the effectiveness of your medications or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain a comprehensive list of all possible drug interactions. Maintain a list of all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products, and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Check the labels of all your medications (such as cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) as they may contain ingredients that can increase your blood pressure. Consult your pharmacist for more details.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting and severe dizziness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes that may improve the effectiveness of this medication include exercising, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and following a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details. Regularly monitor your blood pressure while taking this medication. Learn how to measure your own blood pressure at home and share the results with your doctor.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Different manufacturers may have different storage temperature ranges, so consult your pharmacist for more information. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details on how to safely discard the product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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