Norvasc
Generic Name: amlodipine besylate
Brand Name: Norvasc, Istin
Indications
Norvasc is indicated for the treatment of Hypertension and Coronary Artery Diseases.
Dosage and administration
Norvasc is available as tablets of 2.5mg, 5mg and 10 mg strengths.
Normal Dosage:
Adults
The usual initial antihypertensive oral dose of Norvasc is 5 mg once daily with a maximum dose of 10 mg once daily.
The recommended dose range for patients with coronary artery disease is 5-10 mg once daily.
Children
The effective antihypertensive oral dose in pediatric patients aged 6-17 years is 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily. Doses in excess of 5 mg daily have not been studied in pediatric patients.
Overdose: Overdose symptoms include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.
Drug Description
Amlodipine besylate is chemically described as 3-Ethyl-5-methyl (±)-2-[(2-aminoethoxy)methyl]-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate, monobenzenesulphonate . Its empirical formula is C20H25CIN2O5•C6H6O3S, and its structural formula is:
Side effects
The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Flushing
- Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)
- Fatigue
- Weight changes
- Pain in the muscles or joints
- Impotence
- Increased need to pass urine
- Skin reactions such as rash and itch
- Shortness of breath
- Mood changes
- Numbness or pins and needles sensations
- Enlargement of the gums (gingival hyperplasia)
- Liver problems such as jaundice and hepatitis
Precautions
- Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about diet or exercise.
- Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. You may become dizzy when changing positions.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness.
- Norvasc is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other heart medicines. This medication may compound the effects of other heart medications.
- Other drugs may also interact or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
