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Norvasc Information:

AMLODIPINE is a type of medicine called a long-acting calcium channel blocker (CCB). AMLODIPINE is used to treat high blood pressure (also called "hypertension," "high-per-TEN-shun.") AMLODIPINE is also used to treat a type of chest pain called angina ("ANN-ji-nuh"). Angina is often a pain or pressure in your chest that keeps coming back when part of your heart does not get enough blood.

AMLODIPINE works to relax your blood vessels. This lets your blood flow more easily and helps lower your blood pressure. This means that blood pressure can be lower, and angina pain can be reduced or controlled. Amlodipine can help reduce the risk associated with heart disease. The task of preventing heart attacks is a lot easier when you know who is most at risk. Amlodipine is used to reduce stress on a blood vessel caused by elevated blood pressure. We also know that certain biochemical markers during laboratory tests have shown to be useful to identify who may be at high risk for a recurrent heart attack or initial heart attack. C-reactive protein, is an inflammatory marker that's been available for many years. But in a more sensitive form, we now realize that this marker can identify people at high risk for death and myocardial infarction when they have acute coronary syndromes. There's also utility for C-reactive protein in identifying people at risk for the first heart attack or the first stroke. So it expands our ability to identify high-risk individuals. In addition to C-reactive protein, we can look at the different sizes of the LDL particles. We now know that a small LDL particle increases the risk of the first heart attack and also increases the risk of narrowing of the arteries in people with known disease, and these small particles are much more susceptible to chemical change that influences their inflammatory potential. You can get more information on LDL particle sizes by searching the database and looking for drugs like Pravastatin and Simvastatin or Atorvastatin.

Norvasc Side Effects:

AMLODIPINE side effects that may go away during treatment, include nausea, fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, drowsiness, muscle cramps, headache, or flushing. If AMLODIPINE side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience AMLODIPINE side effects like 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. AMLODIPINE side effects are UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if AMLODIPINE side effects occur. Symptoms AMLODIPINE side effects include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other AMLODIPINE side effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

You can take AMLODIPINE safely with (or without) food. AMLODIPINE can also be taken with grapefruit juice. (Grapefruit juice can affect the way your body breaks down many medicines.) It’s also ok to take AMLODIPINE with drugs you buy off the shelf, like Advil® or Maalox®. You can take it with many prescription drugs, including other high blood pressure medicines. Only your healthcare provider can tell you if AMLODIPINE is right for you. Amlodipine ("am-LOW-dih-peen") is the active ingredient in AMLODIPINE . People who are allergic to AMLODIPINE should not take this drug.