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HomeDrugsAmlodipine (Norvasc) Prices

amlodipine

Generic Norvasc

Used for Hypertension, Coronary Artery Disease, Angina

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is taken by mouth, typically once a day, to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease (CAD). It's also available as liquid options, which might be better choices for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Most people take amlodipine (Norvasc) without experiencing many side effects. But out of the side effects people reported, the most common ones include tiredness and swelling of the hands and feet.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on December 23, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Amlodipine (Norvasc)?

What is Amlodipine (Norvasc) used for?

High blood pressure
Clogged arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease)

How Amlodipine (Norvasc) works

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing your blood vessels to lower your blood pressure. This also helps your heart to get more oxygen so it doesn't need to work as hard to pump, which can help with chest pain.

Are you looking for information on amlodipine/benazapril (Lotrel), felodipine ER, or levamlodipine (Conjupri) instead?

When does Amlodipine (Norvasc) start working?

Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Initial effect

Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNorvasc, Norliqva, Katerzia

Drug ClassCalcium channel blocker (CCB)

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$26.53(save 78.51%)

GoodRx discount

$5.70

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What are the side effects of Amlodipine (Norvasc)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Swelling (2-11%)
Tiredness (5%)
Nausea (3%)

Other Side Effects

Stomach pain
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Flushing
Faster heart beat

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
Heart attack: anxiety, dizziness, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, sweating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, tightness and pain in the chest, neck, arms, or back

When do Amlodipine (Norvasc) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Tiredness

Dizziness

Flushing

Swelling

If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: FDA

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The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Swelling of the ankles or feet

Less common

Difficult or labored breathing

dizziness

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

feeling of warmth

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

tightness in the chest

Rare

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain or discomfort

chills

cold and clammy skin

cold sweats

confusion

cough

dark yellow urine

diarrhea

dilated neck veins

dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position

extra heartbeats

extreme fatigue

fainting

fever

itching of the skin

joint or muscle pain

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

numbness and tingling of the face, fingers, or toes

pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially pain in the calves or heels upon exertion

painful or difficult urination

pale, bluish-colored, or cold hands or feet

pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin

red, irritated eyes

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

redness, soreness or itching skin

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

slow or irregular heartbeat

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

sores, welting, or blisters

sudden sweating

sweating

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

swollen glands

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

unsteadiness or awkwardness

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

weak or absent pulses in the legs

weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

weight gain

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

clay-colored stools

difficulty with speaking

drooling

headache

loss of appetite

loss of balance control

muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness

nausea

rash

shuffling walk

twisting movements of the body

uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back

unpleasant breath odor

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

feeling of warmth

heartburn

indigestion

lack or loss of strength

muscle cramps

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Rare

Abnormal dreams

anxiety

back pain

bad unusual or unpleasant (after) taste

bleeding gums

blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

bloating

bloody nose

burning feeling in the chest or stomach

burning while urinating

burning, dry, or itching eyes

change in color of the treated skin

change in sense of smell

change in taste

changes in vision

constipation

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

cracked, dry, or scaly skin

decreased sexual performance or desire

depression

difficulty with moving

difficulty with swallowing

discharge, excessive tearing

double vision

dry mouth

dryness of the skin

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

excessive muscle tone

eye pain

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling of unreality

feeling unusually cold

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

full feeling

general feeling of discomfort or illness

hair loss or thinning of the hair

headache, severe and throbbing

hearing loss

increased appetite

increased hunger

increased sweating

increased thirst

increased urge to urinate during the night

increased urination

irritability

irritation in the mouth

lack of feeling or emotion

loose stools

loss of memory

muscle pains or stiffness

muscle tension or tightness

muscle weakness

nervousness

pain

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

passing gas

problems with memory

redness and swelling of the gums

redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

restlessness

runny nose

seeing double

sensation of spinning

sense of detachment from self or body

shakiness and unsteady walk

shivering

sneezing

stuffy nose

sweating

swollen joints

tenderness in the stomach area

thirst

trouble in holding or releasing urine

trouble sleeping

twitching

uncaring

unexplained weight loss

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

waking to urinate at night

weight loss

Incidence not known

Swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pros and cons of Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Pros

Available as a liquid (Norliqva or Katerzia) for people who have trouble swallowing tablets

Taken just once daily

Can take with or without food

Tablets are available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Can cause swelling, so not a good choice for people with heart failure

Can cause dizziness, so raises the risk for falls

Older adults and people with liver problems are at higher risk for side effects

Pharmacist tips for Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Take amlodipine (Norvasc) with or without food at any time of day. If it hurts your stomach, try taking it with food to help.

If you're using the liquid form of amlodipine (either Norliqva solution or Katerzia suspension), use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose. Don't use household spoons, because they might not be accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacy to provide you with one if the product doesn't include it in its packaging or if you lose it.

If you accidentally miss a dose of amlodipine (Norvasc), take it as soon as you remember. But if more than 12 hours have passed since the time you were scheduled to take your dose, then skip that dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Don't take 2 doses of amlodipine (Norvasc) at the same time to make up any missed doses.

If you don't see a change in your blood pressure right after you start amlodipine (Norvasc), it doesn't mean this medication isn't working. It typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks before you can see the full effects of amlodipine (Norvasc) on your blood pressure. During this time, your provider might adjust your dose every 1 to 2 weeks before they're able to find a dose that works best for you.

You're recommended to measure and record your blood pressure at home and bring a record of your information to your medical appointments. This information will help your provider understand how well amlodipine (Norvasc) is working for you and if they need to make any changes to your treatment.

If you're using amlodipine (Norvasc) for high blood pressure, make sure to have a healthy diet, including a low-salt diet, while taking amlodipine (Norvasc) so that the medication works even better to lower your blood pressure.

You might notice more side effects, such as dizziness or tiredness, when you first start taking amlodipine (Norvasc) or when your provider raises your dose. But these side effects should get better over time as you continue taking the medication. If they don't ease over time, talk with your provider.

Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, hands, or arms is a common side effect of amlodipine (Norvasc). Talk to your provider if the swelling becomes too bothersome. They might recommend tips to ease the swelling, such as asking you to sit or lie down with your legs raised or to wear compression socks.

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Frequently asked questions about Amlodipine (Norvasc)

How well does amlodipine (Norvasc) work?

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is one of the first-choice medication options for treating high blood pressure. Additionally, amlodipine (Norvasc) is also a top-choice medication for treating CAD.

What's the difference between Norvasc, Norliqva, and Katerzia?

The major difference between the 3 brands of amlodipine is how they're formulated. Norvasc comes as tablets and is available as a lower-cost generic medication. For people who've trouble swallowing the tablets, Katerzia and Norliqva are two liquid solution options for amlodipine. Katerzia is a liquid suspension that must be stored in the refrigerator and shaken before each use. Norliqva is a peppermint-flavored solution that can be stored at room temperature and doesn't need to be shaken before use. Talk to your provider about which formulation is best for you.

Will amlodipine (Norvasc) make me sleepy?

It's possible for amlodipine (Norvasc) to cause you to feel sleepy. Some of it's side effects include extreme tiredness and sleepiness. These side effects might be more bothersome when you first start this medication or when your provider raises your dose. Don't drive or do anything that needs a lot of focus until you know how amlodipine (Norvasc) makes you feel. If this medication makes you too sleepy to go about your day, let your provider know - they might need to make changes to your medication.

Can I use amlodipine (Norvasc) if I'm pregnant?

Researchers aren't sure whether amlodipine (Norvasc) is safe to take during pregnancy because there's limited research of amlodipine (Norvasc) in human pregnancy. A recent study showed babies born to females who took amlodipine (Norvasc) during the first 3 months of pregnancy weren't harmed. If you're pregnant, talk to your provider to see if amlodipine (Norvasc) is safe for you and your unborn baby, or if another medication is better.

Can I use amlodipine (Norvasc) if I'm breastfeeding?

Limited evidence suggests amlodipine (Norvasc) is present in breastmilk at low levels. But there haven't been any reports of side effects in babies who were breastfed by mothers taking amlodipine (Norvasc). To be on the safe side, don't breastfeed your baby while taking amlodipine (Norvasc) unless your provider specifically said it's safe to do so.

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What are the risks and warnings for Amlodipine (Norvasc)?

Amlodipine (Norvasc) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Severely low blood pressure

Risk factors: History of narrow heart valves (aortic stenosis)

Amlodipine (Norvasc) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much, which can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This is a common side effect of blood pressure medications, especially when starting the medication and when the dose is raised. Your risk is higher if you have a history of aortic stenosis (narrower heart valves). If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel too dizzy, make sure to sit down slowly while holding onto something. Let your provider know because they might need to adjust the dose of your medication. If you fall and hit your head, get medical help right away.

Heart attack and chest pain

Risk factors: Severe coronary artery disease

It's possible for some people to experience worsening chest pain or develop a heart attack while taking amlodipine (Norvasc). The risk is higher when you first start this medication when your dose is raised. Your risk is higher if you have a heart problem called coronary artery disease (CAD). Get medical help right away if you experience dizziness, anxiety, chest pain, pressure in the chest, heartburn, trouble breathing, nausea, or vomiting.

Amlodipine (Norvasc) dosage forms

The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg of Amlodipine (Norvasc) is $5.70 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 78.51% off the average retail price of $26.53.

Tablet

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
2.5mg	90 tablets	$12.60	$0.14
5mg	90 tablets	$11.70	$0.13
10mg	30 tablets	$5.70	$0.19

Typical dosing for Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Adults: The typical dose ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum dose is 10 mg daily.
Children 6 years of age or older: The typical dose ranges from 2.5 mg to 5 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum dose is 5 mg daily.

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Interactions between Amlodipine (Norvasc) and other drugs

Amlodipine (Norvasc) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Amlodipine (Norvasc). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

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Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Abametapir
Atazanavir
Ceritinib
Clarithromycin
Clopidogrel
Conivaptan
Cyclosporine
Dantrolene
Digoxin
Domperidone
Droperidol
Epirubicin
Fosnetupitant
Lacosamide
Netupitant
Piperaquine
Rifampin
Ritonavir
Simvastatin
Tacrolimus
Tegafur
Telaprevir

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.