NORVASC
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING NORVASC.
AMLODIPINE - ORAL (am-LOW-dih-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Norvasc
USES:
NORVASC is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood
vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, amlodipine relaxes and
widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure or
chest pain (angina). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible
problems related to use of short-acting calcium channel blockers.
HOW TO TAKE NORVASC:
NORVASC should be swallowed whole without regard to meals unless
your doctor directs you otherwise. NORVASC must be taken as directed
if used to prevent chest pain. It is not effective if taken only
when chest pain occurs. Do not stop taking NORVASC suddenly without
your doctor's permission. Chest pain can occur if the medication is
stopped too fast. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS:
NORVASC may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during
the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you
sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to allow your body to
adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience fatigue or
weakness, nausea, heartburn, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, or
rash. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop breathing difficulties, swelling
of the hands or feet, an irregular heartbeat, or yellowing of the
eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of heart or liver
disease, and if you have any allergies. Limit intake of alcohol
while taking NORVASC. NORVASC should be used only when clearly
needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor. It is not known if NORVASC is excreted into breast milk.
Other calcium channel blockers are known to be excreted and
breast-feeding is not recommended while taking those drugs. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you
may use, especially of beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol),
cyclosporine and digoxin. Avoid any drugs that increase your
heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and
phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in
over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not start or stop any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
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.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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