COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Norvasc

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Uses: (1) Treats angina pectoris due to spontaneous coronary artery spasm (Prinzmetal's variant angina) that is not associated with exertion; (2) classical angina-of-effort (caused by "hardening" or atherosclerosis of coronary arteries) in people who don't respond or can't tolerate nitrates or beta-blockers; (3) mild to moderate hypertension.

Other (unlabeled) generally accepted uses: (1) May keep early atherosclerotic lesions from getting worse; (2) can help stop premature labor; (3) helps some symptoms in cases of lung (pulmonary) hypertension; (4) can work to lower blood pressure and decrease the amount of protein in the urine (microalbuminuria) of diabetics; (5) may ease silent myocardial ischemia in combination with a beta blocker; (6) some limited use in preventing
migraines.

How This Drug Works: This drug blocks normal passage of calcium through cell walls, inhibiting coronary artery and peripheral arteriole narrowing. As a
result, this drug

• prevents spontaneous coronary artery spasm (Prinzmetal's angina).
• decreases heart rate and contraction force in exertion, making effort-
  induced angina less likely.
• opens contracted peripheral arterial walls, lowering blood pressure. (Also
  lessens heart work and helps prevent angina.)

Tablets - 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Recommended Dosage Ranges (Actual dose and schedule must be determined for each patient individually.)

Infants and Children: Dosage not established.

12 to 65 Years of Age: High blood pressure: 2.5 to 10 mg daily, in a single dose.
The fixed combination (Lotrel form) is usually given as one to two capsules a day. In older (or frail patients) some clinicians limit the dose of the amlodipine component to 2.5 mg a day.

Chronic angina: 5 to 10 mg daily; 10 mg may improve exercise ability in stable angina patients.

Congestive heart failure: 5 mg once daily for 2 weeks with increase to 10 mg as
needed and tolerated.

Over 65 Years of Age: Lower doses (2.5 mg for high blood pressure and 5 mg for angina) are prudent and effective.

Conditions Requiring Dosing Adjustments

Liver Function: Patients with damaged livers started on a daily 2.5-mg dose for high blood pressure, 5 mg for angina. Then dosing may be slowly increased as needed or tolerated.

Kidney Function: No adjustment in dosing is needed.

Low Protein or Starvation: This drug is moved around the body by a protein called albumin. If protein is low, in liver failure or starvation, increased effect may be seen with "normal" doses. Start therapy with low doses. Increase only if needed or tolerated.

Dosing Instructions: May be taken with or following food to reduce stomach irritation. The tablet may be crushed. If you forget a dose: Take the medicine right away, unless it is nearly time for your next dose, then omit the missed dose and take the medicine when it was next scheduled. DO NOT double doses.

Please Note: The information contained on this page is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

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