amlodipine besylate (Norvasc): Uses, Side Effects & Dosage (original) (raw)

Brand Name: Norvasc

Generic Name: amlodipine besylate

Drug Class: Antianginal Agents

What is amlodipine besylate (Norvasc) and why is it used?

Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers (CCBs).

Chest pain or heart pain (angina) occurs because of insufficient oxygen delivered to the heart muscles. Insufficient oxygen may be a result of coronary artery blockage or spasm, or because of exertion which increases the need of the heart for oxygen in patients with coronary artery narrowing (coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis). Amlodipine is used for the treatment and prevention of angina resulting from coronary spasms as well as from exertion. Amlodipine also is used in the treatment of high blood pressure.

What are the brand names for amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)?

Norvasc

Is amlodipine besylate (Norvasc) available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)?

Yes

What are the side effects of amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)?

Side effects of amlodipine are generally mild and reversible. The two most common side effects are:

Other side effects include:

More severe side effects include:

An increase in the frequency and severity of angina or heart attack due to amlodipine happens on rare occasions in patients with severe coronary artery disease when first starting amlodipine, or at the time of an increase in dosage. Excessive lowering of blood pressure during initiation of amlodipine treatment can occur, especially in patients already taking other medications that lower blood pressure. In rare instances, congestive heart failure has been associated with amlodipine, particularly in patients already taking a beta-blocker.

What is the dosage for amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)?

The recommended starting dose of amlodipine for children and adults is 2.5 to 5 mg once daily. The maximum dose for adults is 10 mg once daily and the maximum dose for children is 5 mg once daily. Amlodipine can be taken with or without food. Amlodipine is inactivated mainly by the liver, and dosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver dysfunction.

SLIDESHOW How to Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise and Tips See Slideshow

Which drugs or supplements interact with amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)?

Is amlodipine besylate (Norvasc) safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

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What else should I know about amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)?

What preparations of amlodipine besylate (Norvasc) are available?

How should I keep amlodipine besylate (Norvasc) stored?

How does amlodipine besylate (Norvasc) work?

When was amlodipine besylate (Norvasc) approved by the FDA?

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References

Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information