Norvasc

Generic name: amlodipine

Drug class: Calcium channel blockers

Dosage form: Oral tablet (2.5 mg; 5 mg; 10 mg)

Route of administration: Oral

Dose: 2.5 mg to 10 mg once daily, adjusted based on individual patient response and tolerability

Mechanism of action: Amlodipine inhibits calcium ion influx into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, leading to vasodilation and reduced myocardial oxygen demand, thereby lowering blood pressure and alleviating angina symptoms.

Drug usage cases:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Chronic stable angina
• Vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal’s or variant angina)
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)

Drug contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to amlodipine or any component of the formulation
• Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Shock (including cardiogenic shock)
• Obstruction of the outflow tract of the left ventricle (e.g., aortic stenosis)
• Unstable angina (except vasospastic angina)
• Acute myocardial infarction (within the first few days)

Side effects:

• Peripheral edema (swelling of legs or ankles)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Flushing (hot or warm feeling in the face)
• Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Weight gain
• Insomnia
• Sexual dysfunction
• Back pain
• Weight loss

Warnings:

• Monitor blood pressure regularly; dose adjustments may be necessary to achieve optimal control
• Use caution in patients with severe aortic stenosis due to the risk of significant hypotension
• Gradual dose escalation is recommended to minimize the risk of adverse cardiovascular events
• Discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention if signs of a heart attack or worsening angina occur
• Monitor liver function in patients with hepatic impairment; dose reduction may be required
• Use with caution in elderly patients; consider starting at the lower end of the dosing range
• Be aware of potential interactions with other medications, including simvastatin; avoid concurrent use with high-dose simvastatin (20 mg or greater) due to increased risk of adverse effects
• Alcohol consumption may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of side effects; advise patients to limit alcohol intake
• Not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding:

Amlodipine is classified as a Category C drug during pregnancy, indicating that risk to the fetus cannot be ruled out. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Amlodipine is excreted in human breast milk; caution should be exercised when administering to a nursing woman. The decision to use amlodipine during breastfeeding should be made after careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.