amlodipine, Norvasc

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GENERIC NAME: amlodipine besylate BRAND NAME: Norvasc

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells lining the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Since calcium is important in muscle contraction, blocking calcium transport relaxes artery muscles and dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. By relaxing coronary arteries, amlodipine is useful in preventing chest pain (angina) resulting from coronary artery spasm. Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body lowers the blood pressure, which reduces the burden on the heart as it pumps blood to the body. Reducing heart burden lessens the heart muscle's demand for oxygen, and further helps to prevent angina in patients with coronary artery disease. PRESCRIPTION: yes GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes PREPARATIONS: Tablets ( 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg.) STORAGE: Amlodipine should be stored at room temperature in a tight, light resistant container. PRESCRIBED FOR: Chest pain or heart pain (angina) occurs because of insufficient oxygen delivered to the heart muscles. Insufficient oxygen may be a result of coronary artery blockage or spasm, or because of physical exertion which increases heart oxygen demand in a patient with coronary artery narrowing. Amlodipine is used for the treatment and prevention of angina resulting from coronary spasm as well as from exertion. Amlodipine is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure. DOSING: Amlodipine can be taken with or without food. Amlodipine is metabolized mainly by the liver and dosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver dysfunction. DRUG INTERACTIONS: In patients with severe coronary artery disease, amlodipine can increase the frequency and severity of angina or actually cause a heart attack on rare occasions. This phenomenon usually occurs when first starting amlodipine, or at the time of dosage increase. Excessive lowering of blood pressure during

initiation of amlodipine treatment can occur, especially in patients already taking another blood pressure lowering medication. In rare instances, congestive heart failure has been associated with amlodipine, usually in patients already on a beta blocker. PREGNANCY: Generally, amlodipine is avoided in pregnancy, and by nursing mothers and children. NURSING MOTHERS: Generally, amlodipine is avoided in pregnancy, and by nursing mothers and children. SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of amlodipine are generally mild and reversible. The two most common side effects are headache and edema(swelling) of the lower extremities. Less common side effects includedizziness, flushing, fatigue, nausea, and palpitations.

GENERIC NAME: AMLODIPINE - ORAL (am-LOE-di-peen) BRAND NAME(S): Norvasc

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |Missed Dose | Storage USES: Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.Amlodipine 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. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. Use other medications (such as sublingualnitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain 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 is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.If used for angina, this medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat angina when it occurs. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve an angina attack as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase, chest pain continues or worsens). SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, swelling ankles/feet, flushing, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, fainting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash,itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, 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 may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. PRECAUTIONS: Before taking amlodipine, tell 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 product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to

your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain structural heart problem (aortic stenosis), very low blood pressure,liver disease.This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Before having surgery, tell 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.Duringpregnancy, this medication should be used 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 breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep 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. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting, severe dizziness. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, reducing stress, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.Check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor.

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(am-lodi-peen) Norvasc Classifications: cardiovascular agent; calcium channel blocker; antihypertensive agent Prototype: Nifedipine Pregnancy Category: C NURSING IMPLICATIONS Assessment & Drug Effects Monitor BP for therapeutic effectiveness. BP reduction is greatest after peak levels of amlodipine are achieved 6 9 h following oral doses. Monitor for S&S of dose-related peripheral or facial edema that may not be accompanied by weight gain; rarely, severe edema may cause discontinuation of drug. Monitor BP with postural changes. Report postural hypotension. Monitor more frequently when additional antihypertensives or diuretics are added. Monitor heart rate; dose-related palpitations (more common in women) may occur. Patient & Family Education Report significant swelling of face or extremities. Take care to have support when standing & walking due to possible dose-related light-headedness/dizziness. Report shortness of breath, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, nausea, or constipation to physician.

Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician.