Norvasc

The active ingredient in Norvasc is amlodipine besylate. As it is part of the drug class known as calcium channel blockers, it works by relaxing your blood vessels, enabling the heart to pump blood more efficiently and reducing the workload on the heart. This, in turn, helps treat high blood pressure. By relieving high blood pressure, Norvasc relieves chest pain, lowers the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke), and results in your heart not having to work as hard to receive more oxygen.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Norvasc. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Norvasc:

You typically will take Norvasc once a day, at the same time each day. If you are taking the pill method, you can take it with or without food. If you notice that your stomach hurts after taking it, try taking Norvasc with food.

Do not change dosages unless instructed by your healthcare provider. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Do not take this medicine if it has been more than 12 hours since you missed your last dose.

You may need to consistently check your blood pressure. Ask your doctor how often you should be monitoring your blood pressure and when you may need to report it back to them. Sometimes, high blood pressure does not have any obvious symptoms, so keep using Norvasc even if your symptoms of high blood pressure seem to have stopped.

Take all other medications your doctor has prescribed for you. They may also recommend or instruct you to eat a low-cholesterol diet, exercise more frequently, and limit your alcohol consumption. Follow all directions given to you by your healthcare provider and ask any questions if you do not understand.

The most common side effects of Norvasc include:

• Edema (swelling, specifically of the feet and ankles)
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Stomach pain
• Extremely fast heart rate (palpitations)

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Norvasc. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Dangerously low blood pressure, including the symptoms of:
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Feeling faint
• Pale skin
• Heart attack, including the symptoms of:
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Chest pain and pressure
• Tiredness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Pounding, rapid, or severely irregular heartbeat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Norvasc. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Norvasc, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Have an allergy, or have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in Norvasc. An allergic reaction can look like any of the following symptoms:
• Swelling in your face, throat, or tongue
• Fast heartbeat
• Extreme drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Sweating
• Have or have had severe narrowing of a specific valve in your heart (aortic stenosis), or have had other heart problems.
• Have or have had coronary artery disease (clogged arteries).
• Have liver disease or liver problems.
• Are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• Have or have had heart disease
• Sometimes symptoms worsen after taking Norvasc.

Decompensated cirrhosis or acute liver failure

Hypersensitivity to amlodipine besylate or atorvastatin

Norvasc begins to lower blood pressure within 6 to 12 hours of the first dose, but it may take 1 to 2 weeks to see noticeable improvements. For conditions like angina, it can help reduce chest pain episodes within a few days of starting the medication. Full therapeutic effects may take several weeks, so it’s important to continue taking it as prescribed and follow up with your healthcare provider.

When Norvasc is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Clarithromycin
• Itraconazole
• Cyclosporine
• Simvastatin
• Tacrolimus

There are a few different dosage forms and strengths of Norvasc. It comes in 2.5mg, 5mg, or 10mg oral tablets. Your dosage will depend on what specific disease or condition amlodipine besylate is treating. Speak to your doctor about what is best for you.

Norvasc or generic amlodipine besylate tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from any moisture, light, and heat.

Norvasc is manufactured by Pfizer.

There is a generic version available for Norvasc.

Some related medications include Cardizem CD (diltiazem CD), Caduet (amlodipine/atorvastatin), and Exforge HCT (amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide).

To stop taking Norvasc, consult your healthcare provider, as stopping it abruptly may cause a spike in blood pressure or worsening of symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dosage or switching to another medication to ensure a smooth transition. Always follow your provider’s guidance to avoid potential complications and maintain your health.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Norvasc should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as there is limited data on its safety for pregnant individuals.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. It may pass into breast milk and could potentially harm the nursing infant.