Common uses
Norvasc (AMLODIPINE) is a calcium channel blocker used to control high blood pressure or angina (chest pain). Reducing high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Before using
Do not take this medicine if you are taking another medicine that contains amlodipine. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are also taking other medicines for high blood pressure (e.g., beta-blockers, diuretics), intravenous (IV) calcium, or other medicines for chest pain such as nitroglycerin.

Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart disease, liver disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of low blood pressure. contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees f (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. If you miss a dose of this medicine and remember it the same day, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not stop taking this medicine without discussing it with your doctor. If you are taking this medicine for angina, it will not relieve the pain of an acute attack if taken at the time of the acute attack. It prevents or reduces the number of angina attacks only if you take it on a regular schedule.

This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Sit up or stand slowly from a seated or lying position to allow your body time to adjust. When you begin using this medicine, it may cause a headache, which usually lasts for a short time. With continued use of the medicine, headache usually becomes less noticeable. Limit intake of alcohol while taking this medicine.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor. This includes cough and cold products or diet aids because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. While you are using this medicine, brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go occur while taking this medicine include nausea, fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, drowsiness, muscle cramps, headache, or flushing. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience 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.

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, fainting, and a fast heartbeat.

Additional information
Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medicine. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor.

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.