Why is this Norvasc medication prescribed?
Norvasc/Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure. Norvasc relaxes your blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard. Norvasc also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart to control chest pain (angina). If taken regularly, Norvasc/amlodipine controls chest pain, but Norvasc does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.
This Norvasc medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Norvasc pharmacist for more Norvasc information.
How should this Norvasc medicine be used?
Norvasc/Amlodipine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Norvasc is usually taken once a day. Follow the Norvasc directions on your Norvasc prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Norvasc pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Norvasc/amlodipine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Norvasc or take Norvasc more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Norvasc/Amlodipine controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but Norvasc does not cure them. Continue to take Norvasc/amlodipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Norvasc/amlodipine without talking to your doctor.
What special Norvasc precautions should I follow?
Before taking Norvasc/amlodipine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Norvasc/amlodipine or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and Norvasc pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially fentanyl (Duragesic), medication for high blood pressure, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Norvasc/amlodipine, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Norvasc/amlodipine.
- tell your doctor if you notice more frequent or more severe chest pain (angina).
What special Norvasc dietary instructions should I follow?
Norvasc/Amlodipine may cause an upset stomach. Take Norvasc/amlodipine with food or milk.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit 1 hour before or for 2 hours after taking Norvasc/amlodipine.
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
Norvasc Side Effects
Although side effects from Norvasc/amlodipine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Norvasc symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- upset stomach
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- excessive tiredness
- flushing (feeling of warmth)
- heartburn
- fast heartbeat
- muscle cramps
- nosebleed
- decreased sexual ability
If you experience any of the following Norvasc symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fainting
- rash
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Norvasc Overdose
Symptoms of Norvasc overdose may include:
-dizziness
-fainting
-rapid heartbeat
What should I do if I forget a Norvasc dose?
Take the missed Norvasc dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Norvasc dose, skip the missed Norvasc dose and continue your regular Norvasc dosing schedule. Do not take a double Norvasc dose to make up for a missed one.
What storage conditions are needed for Norvasc?
Keep Norvasc in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Norvasc at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Norvasc medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Norvasc medication.
What other Norvasc information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Norvasc.
Do not let anyone else take your Norvasc medication. Ask your Norvasc pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Norvasc prescription.
Other uses for this Norvasc medicine
This Norvasc medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Norvasc information.
In case of Norvasc emergency/overdose
In case of Norvasc overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.