amlodipine
Amlodipine tablets, also known as the brand name Norvasc, help treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also help with coronary artery disease, including related angina or chest pain. This medication belongs to the drug class called calcium channel blockers. The tablets are taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects can include tiredness and swelling of the hands and feet.
What is Amlodipine (Norvasc)?
What is Amlodipine (Norvasc) used for?
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease, including some types of chest pain (angina)
How Amlodipine (Norvasc) works
Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It works by relaxing your blood vessels. This helps lower your blood pressure. It also helps your heart get more oxygen so it doesn't need to work as hard to pump, which can help with chest pain.
Drug facts
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
- Tiredness (5%)
- Nausea (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Swelling in the arms or legs
- Stomach pain
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Racing heart
Amlodipine (Norvasc) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint, pale skin
- Heart attack: tightness and pain in the chest, neck, arms, or back; cold and clammy skin; sweating; nausea; dizziness; tiredness
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The following Amlodipine (Norvasc) 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
dark yellow urine
dilated neck veins
dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
extra heartbeats
extreme fatigue
fainting
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
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
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known
Abdominal or stomach pain
clay-colored stools
difficulty with speaking
headache
loss of appetite
loss of balance control
muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness
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
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
back pain
bad unusual or unpleasant (after) taste
bleeding gums
blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
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
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
cracked, dry, or scaly skin
decreased sexual performance or desire
difficulty with moving
difficulty with swallowing
discharge, excessive tearing
double vision
dryness of the skin
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
excessive muscle tone
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
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
seeing double
sensation of spinning
sense of detachment from self or body
shakiness and unsteady walk
shivering
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
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.
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Pros and cons of Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Pros
- A first-choice option for high blood pressure
- Taken just once daily
- Can take with or without food
Cons
- Can cause swelling in the legs
- Can cause dizziness, so it can raise the risk of falls
- Might need dose adjustments for people with liver problems to keep them safe
Pharmacist tips for Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- You can take amlodipine (Norvasc) at any time of day. It's best to choose a convenient time for you and stick to the same time every day to have consistent effects.
- Take amlodipine (Norvasc) with or without food. If it hurts your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
- If you miss a dose of amlodipine (Norvasc), take it as soon as you remember. But if your next dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your next usual time. Don't take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose because it can cause side effects.
- Keep taking amlodipine (Norvasc) as prescribed, even if you don't see a change in your blood pressure right away. It typically takes a few weeks before you notice consistently lower blood pressure.
- Check your blood pressure at home and write down your results. Bring your log to your follow-up visits. This information will help your prescriber see how well amlodipine (Norvasc) is working for you. Based on your blood pressure numbers, they can see if they need to change your dose or your treatment plan.
- You might notice some side effects like dizziness or tiredness when you first start taking amlodipine (Norvasc). These side effects can also happen when you start a higher dose. But they should get better over time as you keep taking the medication and your body adjusts to it. If they don't go away, talk to your prescriber.
- Swelling in the legs or ankles is a common side effect of amlodipine (Norvasc). Sitting or lying down with your legs raised or wearing compression socks might help. But if swelling happens and it bothers you too much, talk to your prescriber.
- If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your prescriber. It's not clear if amlodipine (Norvasc) is safe during pregnancy. Your prescriber might recommend other blood pressure medications that are safe in pregnancy.
- Be sure to follow a heart-healthy diet, including a low-salt diet. In addition to amlodipine (Norvasc), healthy eating is an important part of lowering your blood pressure. Talk to your care team to learn more about ways to plan meals that are healthier for your heart.
More on Amlodipine (Norvasc) tips
Common questions about Amlodipine (Norvasc)
No, amlodipine (Norvasc) isn't a beta blocker. It's a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker. Both types of medications lower blood pressure, but they work in different ways. Calcium channel blockers are often one of the first options for blood pressure. But if your blood pressure stays high, your primary care provider or cardiologist might add a beta blocker to your treatment plan. Ask your prescriber about which blood pressure medication(s) is right for you.
You might notice your blood pressure start to go down several hours after taking amlodipine (Norvasc). But it can take about 4 weeks to see consistently lower blood pressure. Keep taking the medication every day as prescribed, even if your blood pressure doesn't improve much right away. Check your blood pressure regularly at home and share your results with your prescriber. This helps them see how well the medication is working to lower your blood pressure. They can also decide if your dose needs adjusting.
No. In fact, amlodipine (Norvasc) can sometimes cause you to have a fast or irregular heartbeat. It can feel like your chest is pounding or "heart palpitations." Taking higher doses of amlodipine (Norvasc) might raise your risk of heart palpitations. If you feel your heart racing or chest pounding, tell your prescriber.
Weight gain isn't a common side effect of amlodipine (Norvasc). But keep in mind that the medication can cause swelling from fluid buildup in the body. This might appear as weight gain (water weight). Tell your primary care provider or cardiologist if you have unexpected weight gain while taking this medication. They can help figure out the cause and help you manage it.
It's not common, but some people have reported erectile dysfunction (ED) while taking amlodipine (Norvasc). Be aware that many other things can cause ED, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. If you experience ED after starting amlodipine (Norvasc), talk to your primary care provider. They can recommend ways to manage this problem.
No, calcium channel blockers like amlodipine (Norvasc) don't usually cause cough. This is unlike other blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors like lisinopril (Zestril). Reach out to your primary care provider if you have a cough that doesn't seem to go away.
Amlodipine (Norvasc) and lisinopril (Zestril) are both common blood pressure medications. Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a calcium channel blocker, and lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. They work in different ways to lower blood pressure. Both medications can cause dizziness, tiredness, and low blood pressure. But amlodipine (Norvasc) can also cause flushing and swelling in the arms or legs. And lisinopril can also cause a dry cough, blurry vision, and higher potassium levels. If one medication isn't enough to control your blood pressure, your prescriber might recommend you to take both. Talk to your prescriber to compare and see what treatment option is right for you.
Yes, some medications can interact with amlodipine (Norvasc). This includes cholesterol medications simvastatin (Zocor) and lovastatin. Some others include transplant medications like cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Gengraf) and tacrolimus (Prograf). Amlodipine (Norvasc) can raise the levels of these medications. This can raise the risk of side effects from these medications. Tell your care team about all the medications you take. They can make sure your medications are safe to take together.
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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.
Low blood pressure
- Risk factors: Severely narrow heart valves (aortic stenosis)
Amlodipine (Norvasc) lowers blood pressure. This can sometimes make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. It's a common side effect when starting the medication and when the dose is raised. The risk is higher if you have severe aortic stenosis (narrower heart valves).
If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel too dizzy, make sure to sit down until you feel better. Get up slowly while holding onto something stable to prevent falling. If this side effect bothers you too much, let your care team know. Your prescriber might need to adjust the dose of your medication. If you fall and hit your head, get medical help right away.
Worsening chest pain and risk of heart attack
- Risk factors: Severe coronary artery disease
Some people might have worsening chest pain or even a heart attack while taking amlodipine (Norvasc). This risk is higher if you have severely blocked arteries around the heart, also called coronary artery disease (CAD).
Get medical help right away if you feel strong chest pain, pressure in the chest, or heartburn. You also might feel dizzy, anxious, sweaty, nauseous, or short of breath. These can be signs of a heart attack.
Amlodipine (Norvasc) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 90 tablets | $11.55 | $0.13 |
| 2.5mg | 90 tablets | $11.95 | $0.13 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $7.53 | $0.25 |
Typical dosage for Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Adults: The typical dose is 5 mg to 10 mg by mouth once daily. Adults who are small or fragile, are older, or have liver problems might first start at a dosage of 2.5 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
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Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
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.
- Indinavir
- Rifapentine
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