Prescription Required
Description
Norvasc is an oral pill made up of a calcium channel blocker called amlodipine. We carry the brand choice and generic alternative of this medication in 5mg and 10mg! Norvasc is used to treat angina and other conditions cause by coronary heart disease as well as lowering blood pressure in those with hypertension.
Coronary heart disease is a condition where the arteries to your heart become narrow due to a plaque (cholesterol and other substances) buildup, limiting the amount of blood and oxygen that can flow to your heart. Coronary heart disease causes health conditions such as chest pain (angina) and an irregular heart beat (heart arrhythmia).
The exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown but can be influenced by the amount of fluid in your body (too much fluid = higher blood pressure) and how much blood your heart pumps (more blood = higher blood pressure). High blood pressure can lead to health complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.
Norvasc (amlodipine) is effective in treating these conditions (angina/hypertension) because of its ability to widen blood vessels allowing easier blood flow.
Directions
Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Instructions can usually also be found on the prescription or prescription bottle/container.
You may take Norvasc with or without food, but it must be taken the same way every time.
Ensure you are keeping up with all necessary blood work required while being treated with Norvasc.
For those with high blood pressure; do not stop taking this medication because you feel you are well. Often times, hypertension does not have any symptoms which may lead you to believe you are better.
If your treatment plans includes diet or exercise, ensure you are following those parts of treatment as well as taking the medication.
Store Norvasc at room temperature, protected from heat, light, and moisture.
Cautions
If you are a person under the age of 6 years old; this medication is not approved for your use.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
It may be dangerous for you to take average doses of this medication if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease; consult your doctor if you have these conditions.
Risks
Drinking alcohol can lower your blood pressure and may increase unwanted side effects; avoid alcohol consumption while using Norvasc.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. It is not known if this drug will harm an unborn baby however it may be more of a risk to go untreated while pregnant than the risk treatment will pose to the baby.
This drug passes into breast milk but the effect it will have on a nursing infant is still unknown. Consult your doctor if you are breast feeding.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Norvasc (amlodipine) may include:
dizziness, drowsiness; feeling tired; stomach pain, nausea; or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); swelling in your ankles and lower part of your legs.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Norvasc (amlodipine) may include:
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; worsening chest pain; swelling in your feet or ankles; severe drowsiness; or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
Severe angina caused by treatment: chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating.
FAQs
What is Norvasc?
Norvasc is a brand-name medication available only with a valid prescription. This medication comes in tablet form for oral administration in two available strengths; 5 and 10 mg of amlodipine. You can purchase both the brand and the generic at My Drug Center.
What is amlodipine?
Amlodipine is the active ingredient found inside Norvasc responsible for its therapeutic effects.
What is amlodipine besylate?
Almost half of all drug molecules used inside medications exists as salts. Some drugs, when formed as a weak acid or base, are not always optimal for absorption or dissolution in the body, which is necessary for effectiveness. Drug manufacturers will chemically change a drug into their salt form to enhance the absorption and overall effectiveness of the medication. Therefore, amlodipine is the drug responsible for the therapeutic effects of Norvasc while amlodipine besylate is the besylate salt of amlodipine, which makes up Norvasc. However, amlodipine besylate is commonly referred as just amlodipine to prevent confusion.
What drug category is Norvasc classified as?
Amlodipine, or Norvasc, is considered calcium channel blocker; these types of drugs are used as antihypertensive drugs.
What is the generic name for Norvasc?
The generic name for Norvasc is sold under the active ingredients name; amlodipine. We carry the generic form in both strengths at My Drug Center.
What is amlodipine used for?
Amlodipine is a medication prescribed for treating hypertension as well as certain conditions as a result of coronary artery disease.
What does amlodipine do?
Amlodipine will help prevent angina in patients with coronary artery disease; this may help increase ability to exercise and reduce regularity of angina attacks. Amlodipine will help lower blood pressure levels in those with hypertension; this will help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.
How does amlodipine work?
Amlodipine is effective at treating high blood pressure because it is a calcium channel blocker; this means it can influence the blood vessels. Normally in hypertension patients, the airways are narrow, which makes it harder for blood to flow through. Amlodipine is able to widen the blood vessels to allow improvement within blood flow which ultimately reduces blood pressure. Angina is caused when the heart muscle does not get enough blood supply; a common result of coronary artery disease. So by dilating the blood vessels and improving blood flow, Amlodipine is also effective at preventing angina.
How to take amlodipine?
Your doctor will instruct you on how to properly use Amlodipine before prescribing it to you; ensure you follow your doctor’s directions very carefully. You will need your blood pressure checked often during treatment; it is important not to miss any doctor’s appointments during the time of treatment. Norvasc is commonly prescribed with a diet, exercise, or weight control program, other medications, or all four; ensure you follow all aspects of treatment. How to take Norvasc: swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. You may take it with or without food, as directed by your doctor. For best results, you should make sure you are taking your dosages at the same time each day to ensure there is a constant level of drugs in your system.
What is the side effect of amlodipine?
Common side effects of amlodipine (Norvasc) include dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired, stomach pain, nausea, and flushing. This is not a complete list of side effects.
How long does it take for amlodipine to work?
The exact amount of time it takes for this medication to become effective will vary between each individual. The effects of amlodipine begin working to treat your condition almost instantly; however you may not actually notice the effects for up to a few weeks; it takes about a week for peak concentration levels to occur.
How long does amlodipine stay in your system?
It can take about 4-5 half lives for a medication to clear out of your system. Amlodipine has a half life of 30-50 hours; therefore the longest amount of time it could take to clear out of the system is approximately 250 hours; or a little more than 10 days (10 days, 9 hours).
What time of day should I take amlodipine?
The manufacturer of Norvasc (amlodipine) states the medication can be taken at any time of day as long as it is taken at the same time each day. However, if your doctor has specifically directed you to take your dose at a certain time, it is important to follow those directions carefully.
Why take amlodipine at bedtime?
Taking blood pressure medication at bedtime is thought to help prevent elevated blood pressure levels that commonly occur as you wake up in the morning. This can be prevented by lowering blood pressure during the night and early morning. According to Dr. Ramón C. Hermida, on behalf of the Hygia Chronotherapy Trial, hypertension patients who take their medication at bedtime have a significantly lower average blood pressure level. This includes during both the day and night, with a 43% less chance of cardiovascular events, compared to those who take their medication in the morning.
Foods to avoid when taking amlodipine?
It is recommended you stay away from certain foods while being treated with amlodipine (Norvasc) as it could decrease effectiveness. This includes foods that are high in fat or cholesterol; fatty beef, lamb, pork, poultry (with skin), and dairy products made from whole or reduced-fat milk. There are many other high fat or high cholesterol foods you should avoid. Ask your doctor about foods you should avoid if you are still unsure.
What does amlodipine look like?
Amlodipine, in the form of Norvasc, can vary in appearance depending on a number of factors. However, Norvasc will always come in the form of a tablet. Norvasc is commonly either round, or four or eight sided, and white, but as previously mentioned, it can vary, especially when buying generic or purchasing internationally. Before amlodipine is compressed into tablet form; it has an appearance of a white crystalline powder.
Who makes Norvasc?
Norvasc is manufactured by one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies; Pfizer Inc.
Which is better lisinopril or amlodipine?
Neither of the two medications can be considered better than the other; both medications are effective at treating high blood pressure. However, there may be certain factors that indicate one may be better for you specifically. For example; lisinopril has a food interaction which amlodipine does not. Moderate to high levels of potassium intake should be avoided; therefore amlodipine may be better suited for those who need salt substitutes, potassium supplements, or those with potassium-rich diets. However Amlodipine has more known drug interactions than lisinopril; therefore lisinopril may be better suited for those who take multiple medications. You may also notice differences within price, half life, and drug class, which may have an influence on which is best for you.
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