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Amlodipine Besylate

 

Amlodipine Besylate (generic Norvasc) Review

brand name: Norvasc
generic names: Amlodipine besilate, Amlodipine

What are amlodipine tablets?

AMLODIPINE (Norvasc®) is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This results in relaxation of blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. Amlodipine lowers high blood pressure (hypertension). It also relieves different types of chest pain (angina). It is not a cure. Generic amlodipine tablets are not yet available.

How should you take Norvasc?

Norvasc may be taken with or without food. A once-a-day medication, Norvasc may be used alone or in combination with other drugs for high blood pressure or angina.

--If you miss a dose...

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

You should take this medication exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. You will begin to see a drop in your blood pressure 24 hours after you start the medication.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.

Not to be used in

• Breastfeeding
  
  
• Pregnancy
  
  
• Narrowing of the main artery coming from the heart (aortic stenosis)
  
  
• Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood (cardiogenic shock)
  
  
• Angina not well controlled by medical treatment (unstable angina)
  
  
• Allergy to related calcium channel blockers (dihydropyridines)
  
  

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

How to use Amlodipine (Norvasc) :

Use Amlodipine (Norvasc) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• If you miss a dose of Amlodipine (Norvasc) , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
• Continue to use Amlodipine (Norvasc) even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects from Amlodipine (Norvasc) . Talk with you doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet.
• Take Amlodipine (Norvasc) by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Amlodipine (Norvasc) .

What should I watch for while taking Amlodipine (Norvasc)?

Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking Amlodipine (Besylate). Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Amlodipine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats.

Do not suddenly stop taking Amlodipine (Norvasc). Ask your prescriber or health care professional how you can gradually reduce the dose.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Amlodipine (Besylate).

Why is Norvasc prescribed?

Norvasc is prescribed for angina, a condition characterized by episodes of crushing chest pain that usually results from a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle due to clogged arteries. Norvasc is also prescribed for high blood pressure. It is a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker. These drugs dilate blood vessels and slow the heart to reduce blood pressure and the pain of angina.