Norvasc Information and Uses

Norvasc

Last Updated: 08:07am 06.11.13 by Beth Bolt, RPh

Norvasc Overview Follow Medication

Norvasc (generic: amlodipine) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). Norvasc belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers, which relax blood vessels making it easier for the heart to pump blood.

This medication comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day, with or without food.

Common side effects of Norvasc include headache, swelling of legs or ankles, tiredness, and nausea.

Uses of Norvasc

Norvasc is a prescription medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina) in adults and children.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Norvasc

Norvasc may cause the following side effects. Most side effects are mild or moderate:

headache
swelling of your legs or ankles
tiredness, extreme sleepiness
stomach pain, nausea
dizziness
flushing (hot or warm feeling in your face)
arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
heart palpitations (very fast heartbeat)

It is rare, but when you first start taking Norvasc or increase your dose, you may have a heart attack or your angina may get worse. If that happens, call your doctor right away or go directly to a hospital emergency room.

Tell your doctor if you are concerned about any side effects you experience. These are not all the possible side effects of Norvasc. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Norvasc Precautions

Do not use Norvasc if you are allergic to amlodipine (the active ingredient in Norvasc), or to the inactive ingredients. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you a list of these ingredients.

Do not breastfeed. It is not known if Norvasc will pass through your milk.
Do not start any new prescription or non-prescription medicines or supplements, unless you check with your doctor first.

Norvasc Food Interactions

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Norvasc and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

Inform MD

Tell your doctor about any prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking, including natural or herbal remedies.

Tell your doctor if you:

ever had heart disease
ever had liver problems
are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor will decide if Norvasc is the best treatment for you.
are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking Norvasc. You can stop breastfeeding or take a different medicine.

Norvasc and Pregnancy

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Norvasc will harm your unborn baby.

Norvasc and Lactation

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking Norvasc. You can stop breastfeeding or take a different medicine.

Norvasc Usage

Take Norvasc once a day, with or without food.
It may be easier to take your dose if you do it at the same time every day, such as with breakfast or dinner, or at bedtime. Do not take more than one dose of Norvasc at a time.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take Norvasc if it has been more than 12 hours since you missed your last dose. Wait and take the next dose at your regular time.
Other medicines: You can use nitroglycerin and Norvasc together. If you take nitroglycerin for angina, don't stop taking it while you are taking Norvasc.
While you are taking Norvasc, do not stop taking your other prescription medicines, including any other blood pressure medicines, without talking to your doctor.
If you take too much Norvasc, call your doctor or Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Norvasc Overdose

If you take too much Norvasc, call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.

Forms of Norvasc

Norvasc tablets are available in the following strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg.

Active ingredient: amlodipine besylate

Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, sodium starch glycolate type A potato, magnesium stearate.

Other Requirements

Keep Norvasc away from children. Store Norvasc Tablets at room temperature (between 59° and 86°F). Keep Norvasc out of the light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Norvasc in a dry place.