Norvasc
(AMLODIPINE) is a calcium channel blocker used to control high blood
pressure or angina (chest pain). Reducing high blood pressure helps
prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
Before using
Do
not take this medicine if you are taking another medicine that contains
amlodipine. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be
needed if you are also taking other medicines for high blood pressure
(e.g., beta-blockers, diuretics), intravenous (IV) calcium, or other
medicines for chest pain such as nitroglycerin.
Do not start or
stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. inform your
doctor of any other medical conditions including heart disease, liver
disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. use of this medicine
is not recommended if you have a history of low blood pressure. contact
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about
taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow
the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This
medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this
medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees f (15 and 30
degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.
Continue
to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. If you miss a
dose of this medicine and remember it the same day, take it as soon as
possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed
dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses
at once.
Cautions
Do not take this
medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to
any ingredient in this product. Do not stop taking this medicine
without discussing it with your doctor. If you are taking this medicine
for angina, it will not relieve the pain of an acute attack if taken at
the time of the acute attack. It prevents or reduces the number of
angina attacks only if you take it on a regular schedule.
This
medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do
anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to
this medicine. Sit up or stand slowly from a seated or lying position
to allow your body time to adjust. When you begin using this medicine,
it may cause a headache, which usually lasts for a short time. With
continued use of the medicine, headache usually becomes less
noticeable. Limit intake of alcohol while taking this medicine.
Before
you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor. This includes cough and cold
products or diet aids because they may contain ingredients that could
increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about
the safe use of these products. While you are using this medicine,
brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness
of your gums. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the
elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this
medicine.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss
with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during
pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk.
Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. Possible side effects
Side
effects, that may go occur while taking this medicine include nausea,
fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, drowsiness, muscle cramps, headache,
or flushing. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling of
your feet or legs; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; worsening chest
pain (attacks are more frequent, more severe, or last longer);
yellowing of the eyes or skin; dark urine; a fast or irregular
heartbeat; or difficulty breathing.
An allergic reaction to this
medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Overdose
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness,
fainting, and a fast heartbeat.
Additional information
Use
this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you
remember, take it at the same time each day. Have your blood pressure
checked regularly while taking this medicine. It may be best to learn
how to monitor your own blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor.
Do
not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do
not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine
out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an
extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out. Drug interactions
Drug
interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine
from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact
with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
