Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker used to control high blood pressure or angina (chest pain).

Common uses

This medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to control high blood pressure or angina (chest pain). High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are also taking other medicines for high blood pressure (e.g., beta-blockers, diuretics), intravenous (IV) calcium, or medicines for chest pain (e.g., nitroglycerin). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart disease, liver disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of low blood pressure. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and remember it the same day, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

IF YOU HAVE BEEN USING THIS MEDICINE REGULARLY, do not stop using it without checking with your doctor. IF YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR ANGINA, it will not relieve the pain of an acute attack if taken at the time of the acute attack. It prevents or reduces the number of angina attacks only if you take it on a regular schedule. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. SIT UP OR STAND SLOWLY from a seated or lying position to allow your body time to adjust. WHEN YOU BEGIN USING THIS MEDICINE, it may cause a headache, which usually lasts for a short time. With continued use of the medicine, headache usually becomes less noticeable. LIMIT INTAKE OF ALCOHOL while taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor. This includes cough and cold products or diet aids because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. WHILE YOU ARE USING THIS MEDICINE, brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, drowsiness, muscle cramps, headache, or flushing. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of your feet or legs; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; worsening chest pain (attacks are more frequent, more severe, or last longer); yellowing of the eyes or skin; dark urine; a fast or irregular heartbeat; or difficulty breathing. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much

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.