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Norvasc Capsule

Generic Name(s): Amlodipine

Why it's used

Norvasc Capsule is used to treat high blood pressure. It is a prescription medicine. This medicine lowers the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the force required to maintain blood flow from the heart. Norvasc is also used to treat long-term chest pain called as Angina. This medicine helps to control chest pain by increasing the amount of blood supply to the heart. It is also used to treat chest pain at rest (variant angina). Norvasc is also used to reduce the effects of damage in the heart blood vessels called as Coronary Artery Disease.
Norvasc Capsule may also be taken in combination with other medicines to treat certain conditions as recommended by the doctor. Norvasc Capsule is used together with antianginal agents to treat long-term chest pain or chest pain at rest. Norvasc is also used with other Anti-Hypertensive agents to treat high blood pressure.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Norvasc belongs to a class of medicines called Calcium Channel Blockers. Calcium channel blockers treat a variety of conditions, such as high blood pressure, chest pain and symptoms of cold hands and feet (Raynaud's disease). These medicines relax blood vessels and thereby increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

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How to use

Read the medicine guide provided by your pharmacist, your doctor, or the medicine company. If you have any questions related to Norvasc, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use Norvasc Capsule as per the instructions provided by your doctor.
Norvasc is consumed with or without food. Avoid more than one dose of Norvasc at a time. Norvasc is consumed usually with breakfast, dinner or at bedtime.

Typical Dosage

The typical dose of Norvasc for adults is 5-10 mg once daily. The usual dose for children is 2.5-5 mg once daily. The maximum dose for adult patients of Norvasc is 10 mg per day. Norvasc is commonly used at the same time every day. This makes is easier for patients to not miss a dose of this medicine.
This medicine is to be used for longer periods of time. This medicine is prescribed for long-term use in patients with angina. Norvasc should be used as directed by the doctor even if you feel well, or even if you think that there is no need for you to use your medicine.
If you have issues with the health of your liver, an initial dose of 2.5 mg once daily is prescribed in patients with abnormal functioning of the liver. Consult with your doctor before stopping the use of Norvasc.
Your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose of this medicine to understand the impact on the body. Please follow your doctor's recommendations.

Use in Children

If you are giving Norvasc Capsule to a child, be sure to use a product that is for use in children. Use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the product package or medicine label. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.

Possibly safe with Alcohol

Norvasc is known to be safe with alcohol. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while using Norvasc. Use of Norvasc is not recommended with grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may lead to increased blood pressure lowering effects.
Medicines may be recommended for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. You should not use Norvasc Capsule for conditions or symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Norvasc Capsule to other people, even if they have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. The use of this medicine without the advice of a doctor may cause harm.

Storage

Follow storage instructions on the product package if available. Store Norvasc Capsule at room temperature 15°C-30°C (between 59°F and 86°F), away from moisture, and away from light. Store this medicine away from children and pets.

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How to take Norvasc

The dose and frequency of using Norvasc will depend on the following factors:
  • age of the patient
  • patient's health
  • the health of the patient's kidneys
  • medicines recommended by the doctor
  • any other medicines being used
  • herbal supplements being used
  • response to the medicine

Norvasc Dosage

Dosage for high blood pressure

Adult
  • Initial: 5 mg once daily
  • Maximum: 10 mg once a day
Children (6-17 years)
  • Recommended: 2.5 mg/day
  • Maximum: 5 mg/day
Older Adults (patients who are old or weak)
  • Initial: 2.5 mg once daily

Dosage for long term chest pain

Adult
  • Recommended: 5-10 mg once daily

Dosage for chest pain at rest (vasospastic angina)

Adult
  • Recommended: 5-10 mg once daily

Dosage for blockage of coronary arteries

Adult
  • Recommended: 5-10 mg once daily

Dosage calculation for children

To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

Forms

Tablet
Strength: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Oral solution
Strength: 1 mg/ml

Special Instructions

Oral solution
This medicine should be given via insertion of the tube in the nose (nasogastric tube) and stomach (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube).

Missed Dose

A missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember it. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. Avoid taking a repeated dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Norvasc?
During an overdose of Norvasc initiate careful monitoring of respiratory and heart parameters. In case if low blood pressure remains unresponsive to these conservative measures, consider intake of vasopressors (such as phenylephrine). In some cases of moderate intoxication, vomiting, cleaning out the contents of the stomach (gastric lavage) helps to reduce the harmful effects of this medicine. In healthy individuals, absorption of Norvasc can be reduced by taking charcoal up to 2 hours after the intake of 10 mg Norvasc. Charcoal is a form of carbon that has small, low-volume pores. These pores help trap chemicals as in the case of poisoning. Calcium gluconate, a mineral supplement intravenously can prove to be helpful in reversing the effects of calcium channel blockade.
Symptoms of an overdose of Norvasc
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
If you think you have overdosed on Norvasc Capsule, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Norvasc

Before you use Norvasc, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
  • heart disease
  • liver problems
  • severe increase in blood pressure
Before you use Norvasc Capsule, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Tell your doctor if you are allergic any of the following substances: dihydropyridine derivatives, or calcium channel blockers.

Dizziness

Norvasc Capsule can make you feel sleepy. Be careful when using any machinery, driving a vehicle, or doing any other activity that needs you to be fully alert. The consumption of alcohol with Norvasc Capsule can worsen the sleepiness.

Use in Pregnancy

The use of Norvasc during pregnancy should only be when required. Use this medicine only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Use while Breastfeeding

The use of Norvasc Capsule is not safe for use in women who are breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding a baby, discuss with your doctor if you should either discontinue breastfeeding or stop using this medicine while breastfeeding. Norvasc may pass into breast milk in small quantity. Do not breastfeed or take a different medicine after discussing with your doctor.

Use while Conceiving

Consult with your doctor on the use of Norvasc, if you are trying to conceive.

Alcohol

Norvasc is known to be safe with alcohol.

Increased Risks

This medicine may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens, use a sunscreen and cover your skin when you are outdoors. Limit your time in the sun.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Norvasc to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: Use this medicine only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated or Not Recommended
Warning: Norvasc may pass into breast milk in small quantity. Do not breastfeed or take a different medicine after discussing with your doctor.

Older Adults Population

Precaution
Warning: Use of this medicine may decrease the functioning of the kidney, liver, and heart.

Norvasc Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Norvasc Capsule. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
Rarely, the use of Norvasc Capsule may cause the following side-effects:
  • abnormal dreams
  • abnormal dryness of the eyes (xerophthalmia)
  • abnormal vision
  • abnormality in the joint
  • abnormality of urinary bladder
  • anxiety
  • back pain
  • bleeding inside the nose (epistaxis)
  • burning sensation
  • chest pain
  • chest pain
  • cold and clammy skin
  • cough
  • depression
  • difficulty in urination
  • difficulty to move muscles
  • dry mouth
  • enlargement of breast in males (gynecomastia)
  • excessive production of urine
  • excessive sweating
  • excessive urination at night
  • extra and abnormal heartbeats
  • eye pain
  • fainting
  • feeling of discomfort
  • gas formation
  • hair loss
  • high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
  • hives
  • hot flushes
  • inability in a man to achieve an erection (impotence)
  • inability to identify smell properly (parosmia)
  • increase in the size of gums (gingival hyperplasia)
  • increase level of antidiuretic hormone in the blood
  • increased appetite
  • increased or decreased heartbeat
  • increased sweating
  • increased thirst
  • increased urine frequency
  • inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis)
  • irritation and swelling in the nose
  • lack of interest in activities (apathy)
  • lack of sense of taste
  • liver enzymes increased
  • loss of body movements
  • loss of identity and feelings of unreality
  • loss of memory (amnesia)
  • low blood pressure
  • migraine
  • muscle weakness
  • nervousness
  • pain
  • pain in a joint
  • pain in muscles
  • purple or red discolored spots on the skin
  • rash
  • redness and peeling of skin
  • reduced sensation of touch (hypoesthesia)
  • ringing in the ear
  • severe itching of the skin
  • sexual dysfunction
  • skin discolouration
  • skin dryness
  • skin rash with fever
  • sleeplessness
  • sudden rise in temperature with chills
  • swelling and irritation of the skin
  • tremor
  • twitching
  • vertigo
  • vomiting
  • weight decrease
  • weight increase
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Norvasc Capsule:
  • Nervous system disorders
    Symptoms: pain due to nerve damage, abnormal, repetitive involuntary muscle movements and extreme restlessness (extrapyramidal disorder)
  • Symptoms: confusion mood changes
  • Metabolism and nutrition disorder
    Symptoms: high blood sugar levels
  • Liver disorders
    Symptoms: inflammation of the liver yellow discoloration of the skin
  • Blood and lymphatic system disorders
    Symptoms: low levels of leukocytes in the blood low levels of thrombocytes
  • Eye disorders
    Symptoms: inflammation of the eyes
  • Heart disorders
    Symptoms: heart attack, slow heart rate, improper blood supply to the body limbs (peripheral ischemia), rapid heart rate inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis)
  • Symptoms: difficulty in breathing bleeding from the nose (epistaxis)
  • Stomach and intestine disorders
    Symptoms: inflammation of the pancreas inflammation of the stomach
  • Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorder
    Symptoms: skin allergic reaction triggered by infections (erythema multiforme), sensitivity of the skin to light life threatening skin allergic reaction (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)
Your doctor has prescribed this Norvasc because they have judged that the benefits outweigh the risks posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This is not a complete list of possible side-effects for Norvasc.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Norvasc by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Heart Failure

Patients with heart failure are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Such patients may see an increased risk of heart problems and fluid buildup in the lungs. Take necessary precautions while using this medicine in patients with a history of heart failure.

Abnormal Functioning of the Liver

The levels of Norvasc get increased in patients with liver failure. Careful monitoring and a low dose of Norvasc is required in patients with abnormal functioning of the liver.

Narrowing of the Aortic Valve Opening

This medicine may cause low blood pressure in such patients.

Chest Pain and Heart Attack

Patients with increased chest pain and heart attack are at increased risk when using this medicine. While initiating or increasing the dose of Norvasc may worsen the condition of chest pain and heart attack in patients with severe heart diseases.

Elderly Patients

These patients are at an increased risk when using this medicine. While increasing the recommended dose in such patients, proper care should be followed.

Interactions with Norvasc

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Norvasc Capsule. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

mTOR Inhibitors

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with mTOR inhibitors (temsirolimus, everolimus, sirolimus), which are used for treatment of cancer. Patients taking both mTOR inhibitors and Norvasc are at an increased risk of developing swelling in the lower layer of skin. Take necessary precautions before starting this therapy.

‎Lipid-Lowering Agents

Norvasc Capsule interacts with simvastatin, which is used to lower the cholesterol levels. The combined use of multiple doses of 10 mg of Norvasc with 80 mg simvastatin may increase the level of simvastatin in blood. The dose of simvastatin should be reduced to 20 mg in patients who are on treatment with Norvasc.

Muscle Relaxant

There may be an interaction of Norvasc with dantrolene, which is used to treat muscle spasms. Use of dantrolene with Norvasc may see an increased risk of high potassium levels in the blood. Avoid use of this combination in patients with fever and severe muscle contractions.

CYP3A Inhibitors

Norvasc Capsule may interact with CYP3A4 inhibitors (diltiazem, ketoconazole, verapamil, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and ritonavir), which are used to treat high blood pressure, fungal, viral and bacterial infections. Use of CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the level of Norvasc in blood. Clarithromycin, when used along with Norvasc, leads to an increased risk of low blood pressure. Careful monitoring and dose adjustment are required in patients using this combination.

Immunosuppressant Drugs

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with tacrolimus and cyclospoine, which are used to lower the risk of organ rejection. Use of Norvasc may lead to increased levels of tacrolimus and cyclosporine in the blood. Dose adjustment, as well as proper monitoring of levels of tacrolimus and cyclosporine in the blood, is required in patients who had undergone kidney transplantation procedure.

CYP3A4 Inducers

Norvasc Capsule may interact with CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, and hypericum perforatum), which are used to treat bacterial infections and skin wounds. When Norvasc is used in combination with CYP3A4 inducers may alter the level of Norvasc in the blood. Monitoring of blood pressure as well as dose adjustment is required in patients being treated with both the drugs.

Interactions of Norvasc by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Norvasc be not used?

Allergic to Norvasc, calcium channel blockers

This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to it. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:
  • skin itching
  • reddening of skin
  • difficulty in breathing

Severe Low Blood Pressure

This medicine should not be used in patients with severe conditions of low blood pressure.

Insufficient Blood Flow to the Body

This medicine should not be used in patients with cardiogenic shock.

Heart Attack

This medicine should not be used during the first 28 days in patients suffered from the heart attack.

High Grade Narrowing of Heart Valves

This medicine should not be used in patients having high grade aortic stenosis.

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Norvasc is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Norvasc Capsule .

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