Norvasc

Norvasc is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Norvasc relaxes (widens) the blood vessels (veins and arteries), making it easier for the heart to pump and reducing its workload. Norvasc is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat angina (chest pain).

It works by relaxing (dilating) your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing heart rate, which lowers the workload on the heart. It also dilates coronary arteries increasing blood flow to the heart.

Norvasc may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Norvasc comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day. Norvasc may cause an upset stomach. Take Norvasc with food or milk. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Precautions

Before taking Norvasc, tell your doctor if you have liver disease; or another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. You may not be able to take Norvasc, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Norvasc is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Norvasc will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Norvasc passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use Norvasc if you are allergic to any ingredient in Norvasc.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Norvasc Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Norvasc and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives
• unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
• chest pain;
• severe dizziness or fainting;
• psychosis;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Norvasc and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• fatigue or tiredness;
• headache;
• insomnia;
• vivid or abnormal dreams;
• flushing;
• abdominal pain;
• nausea, diarrhea, or constipation; or
• increased or difficult urination.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store bottles at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15° to 30°C) and dispense in tight, light-resistant containers.

Norvasc Overdose

Over dosage might be expected to cause excessive peripheral vasodilatation with marked hypotension and possibly a reflex tachycardia. Symptoms of Norvasc overdose include dizziness, weakness, and chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.

More Information about Norvasc

Before taking Norvasc, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Norvasc. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

Norvasc may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Norvasc with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Norvasc may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

If you are taking Norvasc for angina, it will not relieve the pain of an acute attack if taken at the time of an acute attack. It prevents or reduces the number of angina attacks only if you take it on regular schedule.

When you begin using Norvasc, it may cause a headache, which usually lasts for a short time.

While you are using Norvasc, it is important to brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums.

Although rare, Norvasc has been known to increase chest pain and increase the risk of heart attack, especially in patients with severe heart disease.

Lab tests, including blood pressure checks, may be performed while you use Norvasc. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Use Norvasc with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Norvasc should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Norvasc while you are pregnant. It is not known if Norvasc is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Norvasc.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.