Product Details: Norvasc (Amlodipine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Pfizer

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to control high blood pressure or angina (chest pain). Reducing high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and remember it the same day, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without discussing it with your doctor. IF YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR ANGINA, it will not relieve the pain of an acute attack if taken at the time of the acute attack. It prevents or reduces the number of angina attacks only if you take it on a regular schedule. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. SIT UP OR STAND SLOWLY from a seated or lying position to allow your body time to adjust. WHEN YOU BEGIN USING THIS MEDICINE, it may cause a headache, which usually lasts for a short time. With continued use of the medicine, headache usually becomes less noticeable. LIMIT INTAKE OF ALCOHOL while taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor. This includes cough and cold products or diet aids because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. WHILE YOU ARE USING THIS MEDICINE, brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go occur while taking this medicine include nausea, fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, muscle cramps, headache, or flushing. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of your feet or legs; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; worsening chest pain (attacks are more frequent, more severe, or last longer); yellowing of the eyes or skin; dark urine; a fast or irregular heartbeat; or difficulty breathing. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Amlodipine