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What is Norvasc
 Norvasc
is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Norvasc
relaxes (widens) the blood vessels (veins and arteries), making
it easier for the heart to pump and reducing its workload.
Norvasc
is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and to
treat angina (chest pain).
Norvasc
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Norvasc
Do not stop taking Norvasc without first talking
to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you
stop taking the medication, your condition could become
worse.
What you should find out before taking Norvasc Before taking Norvasc, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease; or
- another disease of the
heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic
stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary
artery disease.
You may not be able to take Norvasc,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
Norvasc is in the FDA pregnancy category C.
This means that it is not known whether Norvasc will be
harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known
whether Norvasc passes into breast milk. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 65 years of
age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
Norvasc. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this
medication.
How should take Norvasc Take Norvasc exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Do not stop taking
Norvasc without first talking to your doctor, even if you
begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication,
your condition could become worse.
Store Norvasc
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an Norvasc overdose include dizziness, weakness, chest
pain, shortness of breath, fainting, unusually fast or slow
heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.
Avoid while taking Norvasc Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about
diet or exercise.
Use caution when you stand or sit
up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during
the night. You may become dizzy when changing positions.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower
blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness while
taking Norvasc.
Possible side effects of Norvasc If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Norvasc and contact your doctor immediately
or seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- unusually
fast or slow heartbeat;
- chest pain;
- severe
dizziness or fainting;
- psychosis;
- jaundice
(yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- swelling of
the legs or ankles.
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Norvasc and
talk to your doctor if you experience
- fatigue or
tiredness;
- headache;
- insomnia;
-
vivid or abnormal dreams;
- flushing;
- abdominal
pain;
- nausea, diarrhea, or constipation; or
-
increased or difficult urination.
Side effects other
than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Norvasc Tell your doctor if you are taking any other heart
medicines. Norvasc may compound the effects of other heart
medications.
Other
drugs may also interact with Norvasc or affect your condition.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
