What is Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine)?
Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) is the most prescribed brand name high blood pressure medicine worldwide. Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) is a type of medicine known as a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and a type of chest pain called angina. It can be used by itself or with other medicines to treat these conditions.
What Is Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) Used For?
Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) is indicated for high blood pressure and angina. It is also recommended for angina when it is characterized by symptoms of crushing chest pain. Usually it results from a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle due to clogged arteries.
Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) is also prescribed for high blood pressure.
Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) has been shown to work for many types of patients. It even works for patients with mild, moderate, or severe levels of high blood pressure.
Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) Facts
Active Ingredients: Amlodipine
Inactive Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, sodium starch glycolate, and magnesium stearate.
Class and Mechanism:
Generic Norvasc (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, Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) is useful in reventing 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.
Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) Storage
Keep Generic Norvasc away from children. Store Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) tablets at room temperature (between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Keep Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) out of the light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) in a dry place.
How to take Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine)?
Usually Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) is taken once a day, but it will be better for you to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider. It can be taken with or without food, but it should be washed down with a plenty of water.
Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) can be taken with or without food. Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) is metabolized mainly by the liver and dosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver dysfunction.
If OVERDOSE
Overdosage might be expected to cause excessive peripheral vasodilation with marked hypotension and possibly a reflex tachycardia. In humans, experience with intentional over dosage of Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) is limited. In an overdose is suspected call your local poison control center immediately.
What to do if I miss a dose?
If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours since you missed your last dose, wait and take the next dose at your regular time.
!!! NOTE: Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Who should not take Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine)?
Do not use Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) if you are allergic to amlodipine, (the active ingredient in Generic Norvasc), or to the inactive ingredients. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you a list of these ingredients.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should inform your doctor immediately. Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) may appear in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may tell you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment with Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) is finished.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated.
Side effects may include:
Dizziness, fatigue, flushing, fluid retention and swelling, headache, palpitations (fluttery or throbbing heartbeat). If one of these side effects appears you should talk to your healthcare about.
It is rare, but when you first start Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) or increase your dose, you may have a heart attack or your angina may get worse. If that happens, call your doctor right away or go directly to a hospital emergency room.
Tell your doctor if you are concerned about any side effects you experience. These are not all the possible side effects of Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine).
Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) Drug Interactions
If you take nitroglycerin for angina, don’t stop taking it while you are taking Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine). You can use nitroglycerin and Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) together.
Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine) can be taken with a variety of other medicines as well. While you are taking Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine), do not start or stop taking your other medicines including any other blood pressure medicines. You should consult your healthcare provider first!
Additional Information
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to amlodipine.Do not let anyone else take your medication.
