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Common uses
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.
If you take
too much
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. |