Norvasc is the name for amlodipine besylate, a prescription medicine used in the treatment of high blood pressure, or hypertension. One of the notable Norvasc uses is the treating of coronary artery disease(CAD) in patients experiencing heart failure, and some kinds of angina(chest pain)from CAD, like angina that occurs at rest (prinzmetals angina), and activity-and stress-induced angina(chronic stable angina). If taken frequently, Norvasc can control angina, but it does not stop chest pain after it has already started. It reduces an individual’s risk of cardiovascular events related to high blood pressure, like heart attacks and strokes. Norvasc use also includes other conditions that result from coronary disease.

Norvasc belongs to a drug class known as calcium channel blockers, which restricts calcium flow into muscles along the blood vessels walls and heart muscles. Due to the fact that these muscles contraction depends on calcium, Norvasc widens and relaxes the blood vessels, thereby improving the flow of blood. Before taking Norvasc, inform your doctor if you ever had liver problems or heart disease, as you may need a different dose of Norvasc treatment. According to the FDA Norvasc is a pregnancy category C drug which implies that it poses a possible risk to unborn babies. Since it is not yet known if the drug is excreted in breast milk breastfeeding mothers should not take Norvasc. Many people are still wondering if a Norvasc generic version has been approved.

Some of the common Norvasc side effects are:

Fatigue and drowsiness
Flushing or feeling hot
Abdominal pain
Some of the severe side effects of Norvasc:
Palpitations (strong, rapid or irregular heartbeats)
Frequent or severe chest pain

Uncommon side effects of Norvasc
Rashes and itchiness
Muscle cramps
Difficulty breathing
Abnormal vision
Weight changes, diarrhea and vomiting
Anxiety and depression
Once you notice any of these Norvasc side effects contact your doctor

Norvasc Dosage

Norvasc dose comes in about three tablet sizes, which should be taken once daily, with food or without it: Norvasc 2.5 mg, Norvasc 10 mg, and Norvasc 5 mg.
Adults normally begin with a 5 mg dose, and the maximum dose being 10gm. Adults who are elderly, have liver problems or fragile may start theirs on a dose of 2.5 mg.

Children between the ages of 6 to 17 years may be given doses of Norvasc 2.5 mg to Norvasc 5 mg. a dose of 5 mg has not been verified in children. It effects on children below the age of 6 is not known.

These could be altered by the doctor if it’s necessary. Ensure you contact the center for poison control in your locality in case of over dose. In case you miss one dose of Norvasc, endeavor you take it immediately you remember. Do not double your Norvasc dosages skip any missed dose and take the next one at the expected time if it is almost the time for your next dose.