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Compare Exforge vs. Norvasc

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) and amlodipine (Norvasc) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they have some key differences. Exforge is a combination medication that includes amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), and valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). This combination works together to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and blocking a hormone that narrows them. On the other hand, amlodipine is a single medication that only contains a calcium channel blocker, which also relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and help with chest pain. Exforge is typically taken once a day and is available as a generic, but it can't be easily adjusted for individual doses of its components. Amlodipine is also taken once a day and comes in both tablet and liquid forms, making it easier for people who have trouble swallowing pills. Both medications can cause swelling and dizziness, but Exforge has additional risks like potential kidney problems and high potassium levels due to the valsartan component.

  • Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan)
    Amlodipine (Norvasc)
  • Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan)
    Amlodipine (Norvasc)

  • Summary of Exforge vs. Norvasc

    Summary for CCB / ARB
    Prescription only

    Exforge is a combination blood pressure medication for adults. It contains amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker, or CCB) and valsartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker, or ARB). It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once per day. Some side effects of Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan) include swelling throughout the body and dizziness. This medication is available as generics.

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Exforge vs. Norvasc

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Clogged arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease)

  • Pros and Cons of Exforge vs. Norvasc

    Pros and Const for CCB / ARB
    Pros
    •Convenient to take a combination of two medications in one pill
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Might not be a good choice for people with liver problems
    •Can cause swelling in the arms and legs
    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Exforge vs. Norvasc

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in legs or arms (5%)
    •Sore throat, runny nose, and other cold-like symptoms (3-4%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling (2-11%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Nausea (3%)

  • Warnings of Exforge vs. Norvasc

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Risk of heart attack or chest pain
    •Possible kidney damage in certain people
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severely low blood pressure
    •Heart attack and chest pain

  • Prices with our coupons for Exforge vs. Norvasc

    Learn more about Exforge
    Learn more about Amlodipine

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