Generic Norvasc - amlodipine - is a type of medicine called a long-acting calcium channel blocker (CCB). Norvasc is used to treat high blood pressure (also called hypertension). It is also used to treat a type of chest pain called angina. Angina is often a pain or pressure in your chest that keeps coming back when part of your heart does not get enough blood.

Norvasc works to relax your blood vessels. This lets your blood flow more easily and helps lower your blood pressure. This means that blood pressure can be lower, and angina pain can be reduced or controlled.


 

FAQ

How does Norvasc work?
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, Norvasc is useful in preventing chest pain (angina) resulting from coronary artery spasm. Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body, Norvasc lowers the blood pressure, which reduces the burden on the heart as it pumps blood to the body. Reducing heart burden Amlodipine lessens the heart muscle's demand for oxygen, and further helps to prevent angina in patients with coronary artery disease.

How to use Norvasc
Norvasc may be taken with or without food. A once-a-day medication, It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs for high blood pressure or angina. Amlodipine is metabolized mainly by the liver and dosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver dysfunction.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

• Adults
The usual starting dose of Norvasc is 5 milligrams taken once a day. The most you should take of amlodipine in a day is 10 milligrams. If your doctor is adding Norvasc to other high blood pressure medications, the dose is 2.5 milligrams once daily. The lower 2.5-milligram starting dose also applies if you have liver disease.
• Children 6 to 17 Years
The usual dose is 2.5 to 5 milligrams once a day. Doses exceeding 5 milligrams of amlodipine have not been studied in children.
• Older Adults
You will be prescribed a lower starting dose of 2.5 milligrams.

ANGINA

• Adults
The usual starting dose is 5 to 10 milligrams once daily. If you have liver disease, the lower 5-milligram dose of amlodipine  will be used at the start.
• Older Adults
The usual starting dose is 5 milligrams. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your response to the drug.

Norvasc 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 of Norvasc include dizziness, flushing, fatigue, nausea, and palpitations.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Norvasc during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Norvasc should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Norvasc may appear in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may tell you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment with Norvasc is finished.