Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: amlodipine
BRAND NAME: Norvasc
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Amlodipine belongs to a
class of
medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications
block the
transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells lining the
coronary
arteries and other arteries of the body. Since calcium is
important in
muscle contraction, blocking calcium transport relaxes artery
muscles and
dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. By
relaxing
coronary arteries, amlodipine is useful in preventing chest
pain (angina)
resulting from coronary artery spasm. Relaxing the muscles
lining the
arteries of the rest of the body lowers the blood pressure,
which reduces
the burden on the heart as it pumps blood to the body. Reducing
heart
burden lessens the heart muscle's demand for oxygen, and
further helps to
prevent angina in patients with coronary artery disease. For
more detailed
information related to coronary artery disease, please read the Chest Pain,
Cholesterol, and
Heart Attack articles.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablets ( 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg.)
STORAGE: Amlodipine should be stored at room
temperature in a
tight, light resistant container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Chest pain (angina) occurs because of
insufficient oxygen delivered to the heart muscles.
Insufficient oxygen
may be a result of coronary artery blockage or spasm, or
because of
physical exertion which increases heart oxygen demand in a
patient with
coronary artery narrowing. Amlodipine is used for the treatment
and
prevention of angina resulting from coronary spasm as well as
from
exertion. Amlodipine is also used in the treatment of high
blood pressure.
DOSING: Amlodipine can be taken with or without food.
Amlodipine is metabolized mainly by the liver and dosages may need to be
lowered in
patients with liver dysfunction.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: In patients with severe coronary
artery
disease, amlodipine can increase the frequency and severity of
angina or
actually cause a heart attack on rare occasions. This
phenomenon usually
occurs when first starting amlodipine, or at the time of dosage
increase.
Excessive lowering of blood pressure during initiation of
amlodipine
treatment can occur, especially in patients already taking
another blood
pressure lowering medication. In rare instances, congestive
heart failure
has been associated with amlodipine, usually in patients
already on a beta
blocker. For further information on beta blockers, please read
the propranolol
(Inderal) article.
PREGNANCY: Generally, amlodipine is avoided in
pregnancy, and by
nursing mothers and children.
NURSING MOTHERS: Generally, amlodipine is avoided in
pregnancy,
and by nursing mothers and children.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of amlodipine
are generally
mild and
reversible. The two most common side effects are headache and
edema
(swelling) of the lower extremities. Less common side effects
include
dizziness, flushing, fatigue, nausea, and palpitations.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 2/13/1999
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Calcium Channel Blockers - Establishes the medication calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which are drugs used for treating high blood pressure, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation.
- High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
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