Amlodipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. This drug works by
relaxing and widening the lumen of the blood vessels, both the veins and arteries,
making it easier for the heart to pump and reducing its workload.
Indications: used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest
pain) and myocardial ischemia.
Special precautions: liver disease; or another disease of the heart or blood vessels such
as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, congestive heart failure, low blood pressure
(hypotension) , or coronary artery disease (CAD). You may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment or you may not be able to take amlodipine if you
have any of the conditions listed above. Amlodipine is not known whether amlodipine
will be harmful to an unborn baby (FDA pregnancy category C). Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant, could become
pregnant during treatment or nursing a baby. Amlodipine is not known to pass into
breast milk. If you belong to the age group, over 65 years, you be more likely to
experience side effects from amlodipine. A lower dose of this medication is prescribed to
avoid side effects of the drug. Do not stop taking amlodipine without telling your
doctor, even if you begin to feel better otherwise your condition could become worse.
Overdose symptoms: dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting,
unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion. Seek emergency
medical attention if you experience any of the above list of overdose symptoms.
Serious side effects are: (stop taking amlodipine and seek emergency medical
treatment): allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the
lips, tongue, or face; or hives); fast or slow heartbeat; chest pain; severe dizziness
or fainting; psychosis; yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) ; or leg and ankle
swelling.
Less serious side effects are: (continue taking amlodipine but inform your doctor):
fatigue or tiredness; headache; insomnia; vivid or abnormal dreams; flushing;
abdominal pain; nausea, diarrhea, or constipation; or increased or difficult urination.
Talk to your doctor about any other side effect that seems unusual or bothersome.
To avoid drug interactions, always inform your doctor if you are taking any other
prescription medicine especially other heart medications or over-the-counter medicines,
including herbal products. Also try to avoid rapid change in position such as standing or
sitting up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. This will
help prevent dizziness when changing positions. It is also advisable not to take alcohol
while taking amlodipine. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase
drowsiness or dizziness.
Amlodipine besylate is chemically described as 3-Ethyl-5-methyl (±)-2-[ (2-aminoethoxy)methyl]-4- (2-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-3,5- pyridinedicarboxylate, monobenzenesulphonate . Its empirical formula is C20H25CIN2O5·C6H6O3S. Amlodipine besylate is a white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 567.1. It is slightly soluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol. NORVASC (amlodipine besylate) tablets are formulated as white tablets equivalent to 2.5, 5 and 10 mg of amlodipine for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient, amlodipine besylate, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, sodium starch glycolate, and magnesium stearate.
Amlodipine has the following structural formula:
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