Amlodipine primarily serves to lower the blood pressure by relaxing the arterial wall of the blood vessels. This is to ensure that the heart does not need to “pump harder” just to make sure the blood makes full circulation. It eliminates the risks of chest pain or angina by making sure there is adequate supply of blood going to the heart. It is an effective medicine in lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke and even kidney problems.

•    Drinking alcohol should be avoided when taking Norvasc as it can further lower the blood pressure and increase the occurrence of certain side effects.
•    Norvasc should be taken as a maintenance drug and should still be taken even if you feel generally well since high blood pressure normally has no symptoms.
•    This drug is known to make you dizzy. Avoid doing activities that requires alertness unless you are sure that you can do such activities safely.
•    Should be used during pregnancy only with a doctor’s approval.
•    Chest pains could become worse upon first few days of taking this drug. Inform your doctor is chest pain is severe and on going.

Before taking Norvasc, check with your doctor especially if you previously have or is currently suffering from the following:
•    Allergic reaction to amlodipine
•    Heart valve problem
•    Aortic stenosis
•    Liver disease
•    Very low blood pressure

The recommended dosage for adults ranges between 2.5 mg and 10 mg once a day, taken with or without food.

This drug is not recommended in cases of allergy to amlodipine or any ingredients of this medication and in cases of very low blood pressure.
This drug will not ease the symptoms of angina when it is present. Ask your doctor instead for another type of medicine to be taken during attacks.


Important notice: Always consult a doctor before starting treatment with Norvasc. Check the leaflet inside for instructions.

Missed doses are considered missed. Leave it and take the next scheduled dosage. Do not overdose to compensate for the missed one. If you remember and still with enough time before the next one, take it, if not then proceed with your regular dosing schedule.

During unexpected and emergency situations, Call for help right away and notify your physician for such matter. You may contact a poison control center or have you taken to the nearest hospital for abrupt treatment; if the person is passed out and not breathing, call 911 or your local emergency response team

•    Liquors as it could significantly lower blood pressure further.
•    Avoid exposing the drug from direct light, heat or moisture.
•    Avoid changing position too fast like standing from sitting or lying down. It may make you feel dizzy

The following side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Please consult your doctor if these side effects persist or become inconvenient: abdominal pains, flushing, headaches, sleepiness, swelling of feet or ankles, dizziness, pounding heartbeat, chest pain, dark yellow urine, yellow eyes or skin.

Seek medical attention right away if the following are experienced:

•    Severe allergic reaction
•    Dark urine
•    Fainting
•    Fast/slow or irregular heartbeats
•    Pounding in the chest
•    Shortness of breath
•    Symptoms of heart attack
•    Tender or bleeding gums
•    Worsening angina pain
•    Jaundice

Less frequent side effects are nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness.

Drug interactions have the tendency to change the effectiveness of either medicine.
•    Simvastatin
•    Any other blood pressure medications
•    Any other heart condition medications