DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Amlodipine (am-LOE-di-peen)
Brand Name: Norvasc

Amlodipine is used for:

Treating high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing (dilating) your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing heart rate, which lowers the workload on the heart. It also dilates coronary arteries increasing blood flow to the heart.

Do NOT use Amlodipine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Amlodipine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Amlodipine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Amlodipine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart failure, very low blood pressure, or liver problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Amlodipine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan) because they may increase the risk of Amlodipine 's side effects
• Sildenafil because the risk of low blood pressure may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Amlodipine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Amlodipine :

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

• Take Amlodipine by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects from Amlodipine . Talk with you doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet.
• Continue to use Amlodipine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Amlodipine , 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.

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

Important safety information:

• Amlodipine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Amlodipine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Amlodipine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• If you are taking Amlodipine for angina, it will not relieve the pain of an acute attack if taken at the time of an acute attack. It prevents or reduces the number of angina attacks only if you take it on regular schedule.
• When you begin using Amlodipine , it may cause a headache, which usually lasts for a short time.
• While you are using Amlodipine , it is important to brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums.
• Although rare, Amlodipine has been known to increase chest pain and increase the risk of heart attack, especially in patients with severe heart disease.
• Lab tests, including blood pressure checks, may be performed while you use Amlodipine . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Amlodipine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Amlodipine should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Amlodipine while you are pregnant. Amlodipine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Amlodipine .

Possible side effects of Amlodipine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; drowsiness; fatigue; flushing; headache; muscle cramps; nausea; stomach pain; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; difficulty breathing; fast or irregular heartbeat; pounding in the chest; swelling of feet or legs; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; worsening chest pain; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; fainting or lightheadedness, especially upon standing; very fast heart rate.

Proper storage of Amlodipine :

Store Amlodipine between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Amlodipine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Amlodipine , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Amlodipine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Amlodipine . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.