Generic Brand Name Name Amlodipine Norvasc Pregnancy Category: C Calcium Channel Blocker

Action
- Inhibits the movement of calcium ions across the membranes of cardiac and arterial muscle cells - Inhibits transmembrane calciu m flow, which results in the depression of impulse formation in specialized cardiac pacemaker cells, slowing of the velocity of conduction of the cardiac impulse, depression of myocardial contractility, and dilation of coronary arteries and arterioles and peripheral arterioles - These effects lead to decreased cardiac work, and decreased cardiac oxygen consumption

Dosage

Indication

Contraindication
- Allergy to amlodipine - Impaired hepatic or renal function - Lactation - Pregnancy - Intake of grapefruit

Adverse Effect CNS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, asthenia, fatigue, lethargy CV: Peripheral edema, arrhythmias Dermatologic: Flushing, rash GI: Nausea, abdominal discomfort

Adults: - Angina Initially, pectoris 5 mg PO daily; - Chronic dosage may stable angina be gradually - Hypertensio increased n over 1014 days to a maximum dose of 10 mg PO daily Geriatrics and patients with impaired hepatic or renal function: Initially, 2.5 mg PO daily; dosage may be gradually adjusted over 714 days based on clinical assessment

Nursing Responsibilities - Monitor BP for therapeutic effectiveness.

- BP reduction is greatest after peak levels of amlodipine are achieved 69 h following oral doses. - Monitor for S&S of dose-related peripheral or facial edema - Monitor BP with postural changes. Report postural hypotension. Monitor more frequently when additional antihypertensives or diuretics are added. - Client heath teaching