Norvasc (amlodipine) belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Norvasc relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Norvasc is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or chest pain (angina) and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease. This medication is for use in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.
Norvasc may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Before taking Norvasc, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Norvasc.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Norvasc even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Norvasc is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are taking.
Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking Norvasc or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Norvasc if you are allergic to amlodipine.
To make sure you can safely take Norvasc, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
If you are also taking a beta-blocker drug (such as Betapace, Blocadren, Corgard, Coreg, Inderal, InnoPran, Lopressor, Normodyne, Tenoretic, Tenormin, Toprol, Trandate, Zebeta, and others) do not suddenly stop using the beta-blocker without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Stopping a beta-blocker too quickly can cause serious heart problems that will not be prevented by Norvasc.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Norvasc will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether amlodipine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Norvasc.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I take Norvasc?
Take Norvasc exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Norvasc is usually taken once daily. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking Norvasc or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.
Norvasc is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store Norvasc at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include rapid heartbeats, severe dizziness, and fainting.
What should I avoid?
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Norvasc.
Norvasc side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Norvasc: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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feeling like you might pass out;
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swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
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pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or
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chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.
Less serious Norvasc side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Norvasc?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin); or
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any other heart or blood pressure medications.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Norvasc. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
