Drug Uses

Norvasc is a medicine from a group named calcium channel blockers. It makes the veins and arteries wider and thus facilitates the pumping of the heart and reduces its workload. Norvasc is used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). The medicine may be used for other purposes that are not listed here.

How Taken

Norvasc is in the form of a tablet and should be taken orally. The common dose is one tablet a day. It may cause stomach problems and it should be taken with food or milk. Consult your doctor about the usage of salt substitutes that contain potassium. Your doctor may prescribe a diet with reduced salt and sodium, and you should follow it strictly.

Warnings/Precautions

Consult your doctor before using Norvasc if you have some of the following conditions: 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 suffer from any of these diseases, you may not be able to use Norvasc or your dose may have to be adjusted, or you may have to be monitored regularly during the treatment. Do not take Norvasc during pregnancy because it may be harmful to an unborn baby as it falls into the FDA pregnancy category C. Talk to your doctor before using Norvasc if you are pregnant. Also, consult your doctor if you are breast-feeding because Norvasc may pass into breast milk and may affect the baby.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the drug as soon as you remember. If it is already time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take the scheduled one. Do no take a double dose of Norvasc.

Possible Side Effects

Contact your doctor immediately and stop taking Norvasc if you develop any of these side effects:
-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.
If you have any of the following less serious side effects, continue using Norvasc but inform your doctor:
-fatigue or tiredness;
-headache;
-insomnia;
-vivid or abnormal dreams;
-flushing;
-abdominal pain;
-nausea, diarrhea, or constipation; or
-increased or difficult urination.
Other different side effects that are not listed here may also occur. If you notice some unusual effects or conditions, inform your doctor about them.

Storage

Norvasc should be kept at a controlled room temperature of 59° to 86°F (15° to 30°C) in tightly closed containers, away from light.

Overdose

An overdose of Norvasc may cause excessive peripheral vasodilatation with marked hypotension and possibly a reflex tachycardia. Among the symptoms of an overdose are dizziness, weakness, and chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.

More Information

Consult your doctor before taking Norvasc if you have liver disease or diseases of the heart and the blood vessels as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. If you are older than 65 years you are more likely to have side effects caused by the usage of Norvasc. In this case your doctor may reduce your dose.

Disclaimer

These instructions are for your information only. Be aware that the directions don't cover all uses, medicine interactions, precautions, or unfavorable effects. These prescriptions are only informative and shouldn't be relied on for any further actions. Don't accept the instructions as directions for application for any specific complaint. We deny all responsibility for the preciseness and trustiness of the information displayed and/or any results proceeding from it inclusive of harms or undesirable consequences to people or possessions if such occur. No warranty, either expressed or referred to, is made in connection to the above information.