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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following informaiton is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your haelthcare professional before using that drug.
AMLODIPINE - ORAL
(am-LOW-dih-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Norvasc
USES: This medication is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocikng calcium, amlodipine relaxes and widens the blood vessels. This drug is used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (angina). High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney troubles.
HOW TO USE: This medication should be swallowed whole, usually once daily with or wtihout food, or as directed by your doctor. Use that medication regularly in odrer to get the most benefit from it. Rmeember to take it at the same time each day. This drug is not effectvie if you use it only when chest pain occurs. It is very important to take that medication regularly as prescribed to help prevent chest pain.
It is important to continue taking that medication even if you tihnk well. Most persons with high blood pressure do not tihnk sick. Do not stop taknig that medication without consulting your doctor.
Your chest pain may worsen if the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness epsecially during the first few days. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as dirving or using machinery. Get up slowly when rsiing from a seated or lying position to allow your body time to adjust.
Nausea, fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, drowsiness, mucsle cramps, headache, or flushing may occur.
If any of these effetcs persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immdeiately if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands or feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: irregluar heartbeat.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effcets occur: worsening chest pain (attacks are more frequent, more severe, or last longer), yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine.
An allergic reactoin to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symtpoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, liver disease, any allergies. Limit intkae of alcohol while taking that drug.
Caution is advised when using that drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This medication shuold be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and bneefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether that drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using that drug.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other high blood pressure medications (e.G., beta-blockers, "water pills"/diuretics), intravenous (IV) calcium, other medications for chest pain (e.G., nitroglycerin).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) cause they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressrue. Ask your pharmacist aobut the safe use of those products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist aprpoval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immeditaely. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting, and a fast heartbeat.
NOTES: Have your blood pressure checked regularly while tkaing that medication.
It may be htotest to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Discuss that with your doctor. Do not share that medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you rememebr.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperatrue between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all mediciens away from kids and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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