Norvasc

Norvasc works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the workload on the heart. This helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood supply to the heart muscle, relieving symptoms of angina.

In addition to treating hypertension and angina, Norvasc may also be prescribed for other conditions, such as certain types of heart disease or to prevent certain cardiovascular events in individuals at high risk.

How to use

To use Norvasc effectively, follow these general guidelines:

1. Read the medication guide: Pay attention to the instructions, warnings, and precautions.
2. Take as directed: Take Amlodipine exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose, and do not stop taking it.
3. Follow the dosing schedule: Take Norvasc at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your system. It can be taken with or without food.
4. Swallow the tablet whole: Take the tablet with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
5. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit and its juice may interact with Norvasc, affecting how the medication works. It is recommended to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit products while taking this drug.
6. Keep regular doctor's appointments: They will monitor your blood pressure and adjust your treatment if necessary.
7. Do not miss doses: Take Norvasc regularly to ensure consistent blood pressure control. If you accidentally miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Dosage

The following are general dosage guidelines for Norvasc:

Hypertension (high blood pressure):

• The usual starting dose for adults is 5 mg once daily.
• The maximum recommended dose for most patients is 10 mg once daily.

Angina (chest pain):

• The usual starting dose for adults is 5 mg once daily.
• The maximum recommended dose for most patients is 10 mg once daily.

Elderly patients and patients with liver problems:

• The starting dose may be lower, usually 2.5 mg once daily.

Side effects

Norvasc may cause side effects in some individuals. Not everyone experiences these side effects, and their severity can vary. It is important to be aware of potential side effects and to seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms. Common side effects include:

1. Swelling: Norvasc may cause swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands. This is known as peripheral edema.
2. Flushing: Some individuals may experience flushing, which is a warm or red feeling in the face, neck, or upper body.
3. Dizziness: Amlodipine can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly. Take caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
4. Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is a possible side effect of Norvasc.
5. Headache: Medicine may occasionally cause headaches. If headaches become severe or persistent, seek medical advice.
6. Stomach discomfort: Some individuals may experience stomach discomfort, including nausea or abdominal pain.
7. Flushing: Norvasc can occasionally cause a sensation of warmth or flushing of the skin.
8. Other side effects: Less commonly, Norvasc may cause other side effects such as heart palpitations, muscle cramps, changes in mood or mental clarity, and allergic reactions.

In case of severe or life-threatening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Storage

To properly store Norvasc, follow these guidelines:

1. Keep in the original container: Store Norvasc in the original container it came in, tightly closed with the lid.
2. Protect from moisture: Keep the container away from excessive moisture, such as in a bathroom. Moisture can affect the stability and effectiveness of the medication.
3. Store at room temperature: Store medicine at room temperature, generally between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C). Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
4. Keep out of reach of children and pets: Store Norvasc in a secure place, out of sight and reach of children and pets.
5. Dispose of expired medication: Check the expiration date on the medication label and discard any expired Norvasc. Do not keep or use medication past its expiration date, as it may be less effective or potentially harmful.

Never use medication that has been stored improperly or is past its expiration date, and always keep medications out of reach of children.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose or have taken more than the prescribed dose of Norvasc, take the following steps:

1. Call emergency services: Contact your local emergency hotline or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Inform them about the potential Norvasc overdose.
2. Do not induce vomiting: Vomiting may not effectively remove the medication from your system and can pose additional risks.
3. Monitor vital signs: While awaiting medical help, monitor your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, seizures, or loss of consciousness, inform emergency services immediately.

Missed Doses

If you accidentally miss a dose of Norvasc, take the following steps:

1. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember: If it is still within a few hours of the missed dose, take it as soon as you realize you've missed it. If it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
2. Do not double up on doses: Do not take a double dose of Amlodipine to make up for the missed dose. Taking more than the prescribed amount can increase the risk of side effects without providing any additional benefit.
3. Resume your regular dosing schedule: After taking the missed dose or skipping it, continue taking Norvasc as prescribed. Try to take each subsequent dose at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood pressure control.