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 available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
heart problems, including heart failure or aortic stenosis
liver disease
low blood pressure
an unusual or allergic reaction to amlodipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow with a drink of water. You can take it with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with amlodipine?
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
barbiturates such as phenobarbital
bosentan
herbal or dietary supplements such as ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, St. John's wort, red yeast rice
imatinib, STI-571
local anesthetics or general anesthetics
medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
medicines for high blood pressure
medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
medicines for prostate problems
medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, zonisamide)
some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin)
some medicines for heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil)
some medicines for depression or mental problems (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone)
water pills (diuretics)
yohimbine
zafirlukast
zileuton
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking amlodipine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
fainting spells, dizziness, or lightheadedness
irregular heartbeat, chest pain, palpitations
swelling of legs or ankles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
drowsiness
facial flushing
headache
nausea, vomiting
stomach pain or gas
weakness or fatigue
What should I watch for while taking amlodipine?
Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking amlodipine. 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. 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.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
