Amlodipine
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Amlodipine
(am- LOH-dih-peen)
Pregnancy Category: C Norvasc (Rx)

Classification: Antihypertensive, antianginal (calcium channel blocking agent)

See Also: See also Calcium Channel Blocking Agents.

Action/Kinetics: Increases myocardial contractility although this effect may be counteracted by reflex activity. CO is increased and there is a pronounced decrease in peripheral vascular resistance. Peak plasma levels: 6-12 hr. t 1/2, elimination: 30-50 hr. 90% metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites; 10% excreted unchanged in the urine.

Uses: Hypertension alone or in combination with other antihypertensives. Chronic stable angina alone or in combination with other antianginal drugs. Confirmed or suspected Prinzmetal's or variant angina alone or in combination with other antianginal drugs.

Special Concerns: Use with caution in clients with CHF and in those with impaired hepatic function or reduced hepatic blood flow. Safety and efficacy have not been determined in children.

Side Effects: CNS: Headache, fatigue, lethargy, somnolence, dizziness, lightheadedness, sleep disturbances, depression, amnesia, psychosis, hallucinations, paresthesia, asthenia, insomnia, abnormal dreams, malaise, anxiety, tremor, hand tremor, hypoesthesia, vertigo, depersonalization, migraine, apathy, agitation, amnesia. GI: Nausea, abdominal discomfort, cramps, dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth, thirst, flatulence, dysphagia, loose stools. CV: Peripheral edema, palpitations, hypotension, syncope, bradycardia, unspecified arrhythmias, tachycardia, ventricular extrasystoles, peripheral ischemia, cardiac failure pulse irregularity, increased risk of MI. Dermatologic: Dermatitis, rash, pruritus, urticaria, photosensitivity, petechiae, ecchymosis, purpura, bruising, hematoma, cold/clammy skin, skin discoloration, dry skin. Musculoskeletal: Muscle cramps, pain, or inflammation; joint stiffness or pain, arthritis, twitching, ataxia, hypertonia. GU: Polyuria, dysuria, urinary frequency, nocturia, sexual difficulties. Respiratory: Nasal or chest congestion, sinusitis, rhinitis, SOB, dyspnea, wheezing, cough, chest pain. Ophthalmologic: Diplopia, abnormal vision, conjunctivitis, eye pain, abnormal visual accommodation, xerophthalmia. Miscellaneous: Tinnitus, flushing, sweating, weight gain, epistaxis, anorexia, increased appetite, taste perversion, parosmia.

How Supplied: Tablet: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Dosage
?Tablets Hypertension.
Adults, usual, individualized: 5 mg/day, up to a maximum of 10 mg/day. Titrate the dose over 7-14 days.
Chronic stable or vasospastic angina.
Adults: 5-10 mg, using the lower dose for elderly clients and those with hepatic insufficiency. Most clients require 10 mg.