Generic name: amlodipine [ am-LOE-di-peen ]
Brand names: Katerzia, Norvasc
Drug class:Calcium channel blocking agents
What is amlodipine?
Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), some types of angina and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by changing the movement of calcium in the heart and blood vessel cells. This widens the blood vessels which increases the blood and oxygen supply to the heart and also lowers blood pressure.
Warnings
Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of amlodipine.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using amlodipine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Amlodipine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are taking.
Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking amlodipine or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take amlodipine if you are allergic to it.
To make sure amlodipine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease; or
a heart valve problem called aortic stenosis.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether amlodipine will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressur...
