Drug Uses
Along with hypertension Norvasc is also used in the treatment of angina, a condition characterized by episodes of crushing chest pain.
Usage
You should take Norvasc exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Norvasc may be taken with or without food. Being a once-a-day medication, Norvasc may be used alone or in combination with other drugs for high blood pressure or angina.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of Norvasc, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. But never ever take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage
Store it away from light in a cool dark place.
Overdose
The most probable symptoms of a Norvasc overdose are a faster heartbeat and a drop in blood pressure. So seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
More Information
Discuss your medical history in detail with your doctor before you start treatment with Norvasc. If you have prior history of certain heart conditions or liver disease, then maintain caution while using the drug. Do not consume alcohol.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Norvasc, tell your doctor if you have liver disease; or another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. You may not be able to take Norvasc, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Norvasc is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Norvasc will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Norvasc passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Possible Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Norvasc and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives
unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
chest pain;
severe dizziness or fainting;
psychosis;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
swelling of the legs or ankles.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Norvasc and talk to your doctor if you experience
fatigue or tiredness;
headache;
insomnia;
vivid or abnormal dreams;
flushing;
abdominal pain;
nausea, diarrhea, or constipation; or
increased or difficult urination.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
More Information
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking amlodipine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
chest pain;
severe dizziness or fainting;
psychosis;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
swelling of the legs or ankles.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take amlodipine and talk to your doctor if you experience
fatigue or tiredness;
headache;
insomnia;
vivid or abnormal dreams;
flushing;
abdominal pain;
nausea, diarrhea, or constipation; or
increased or difficult urination.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
