Generic name: Amlodipine
Brand name: Norvasc
General Information:
Norvasc belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers. By blocking calcium, Norvasc relaxes and widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.
Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.
Don’t stop treatment with Norvasc earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. Always contact a medic before giving Norvasc to a child.
What symptoms or conditions should I report to a doctor before I take this medicine?
It is important to report to a doctor if you have or had the following conditions:
- allergy to Norvasc, other preservatives, dyes, foods or medicines
- liver disease
- congestive heart failure
How do I take this medicine?
Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Don’t share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s recommendations. Don’t take more or longer than your doctor recommended.
Norvasc should be taken orally with a glass of water with or without food. If you are also taking antacids, it is better to separate these medications by at least 2 hours. Take this medicament regularly to get the maximum benefit from it.
Overdosage:
Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.
In large doses, this remedy may cause the following conditions: fainting, severe dizziness and fast heartbeat.
What should be done if I missed the dose?
In case you forgot to take the dose, take it at your earliest opportunity. Never double your dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Take only one dose at once.
Interactions:
- intravenous (IV) calcium
- high blood pressure medications (e.g., beta-blockers, “water pills”/diuretics)
- other medications for chest pain (e.g., nitroglycerin)
This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.
Which side effects can I perceive from this remedy?
Contact your physician immediately if you notice any of the following
Serious side effects:
- allergy like skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, hives, itching, difficulty breathing
- irregular heartbeat
- dark urine
- chest pain (attacks are more frequent, more severe, or last longer)
- swelling of the hands or feet
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Less serious side effects:
- nausea
- fatigue
- weakness
- stomach pain
- drowsiness
- muscle cramps
- headache
- flushing
This list of side effects may be not complete, others may occur. Inform your medical practitioners about all side effects you experience.
Be Attentive:
Don’t use salt substitutes or potassium supplements during treatment with Norvasc, unless your doctor recommends doing so. Don’t take it if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying to get pregnant. Avoid standing or sitting up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Doctor may advise you to make medical tests (e.g., potassium blood level, kidney function) to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Ask your physician if you need to know more information. Check the pulse rate and blood pressure regularly. Don’t treat yourself for colds, coughs or pain during treatment without consulting your doctor. Be careful, some ingredients may increase your blood pressure. Consult your physician about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Storage:
Norvasc should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Norvasc out of the reach of children and away from animals.
Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor. The information contained in this article is not intended to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, directions, uses, allergic reactions or warnings.
He knows everything about medications – to which pharmacological group the drug belongs, what components are included in its composition, how it differs from its analogs, what indications, contraindications, and side effects remedy has. John is a real pro in his field, so he knows all these subtleties and wants to tell you about them.