Drug Uses

Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker that is used in the treatment of hypertension and angina. It widens the dilated blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump thereby lowering its workload and preventing angina pectoris.

How it is taken

Norvasc comes as a tablet that must be taken by mouth with food or a glass of milk to avoid an upset stomach.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice for at least one to two hours before and after taking Norvasc. Do not stop without consulting your doctor. Your doctor might prescribe a low salt or low sodium diet while you are taking Norvasc.

The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Norvasc then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

A Norvasc overdose may require immediate medical attention as it causes symptoms like dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion. Overdose of Norvasc may cause excessive peripheral vasodilatation with marked hypotension and possibly a reflex tachycardia.
 

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, liver, kidney or heart disease, blood vessels disease, such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. You might not be able to take the drug or might require a special dosage adjustment if you have any of the above mentioned conditions.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Norvasc and contact your doctor immediately. The drug is in the FDA pregnancy category C.

This means that studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus whilst there are no controlled studies in women.

It is unknown whether Norvasc is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
 

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, vivid or abnormal dreams, flushing, abdominal pain, change in appetite, or increased or difficult urination. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips/tongue/face, or hives), an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe dizziness or fainting, psychosis, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or swelling of the legs or ankles.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.