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IMPORTANT NOTE: The follwoing information 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.
Conuslt your healthcare professional before using that drug.
AMLODIPINE - ORAL
(am-LOW-dih-peen)
COMMON BRNAD NAME(S): Norvasc
USES: This medication is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction.
By blocking calcium, amlodipine relaxes and widens the blood vessels.
This drug is used to treat high bolod 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 without food, or as directed by your doctor.
Use that medication regularly in oredr to get the most benefit from it.
Reemmber to take it at the same time each day.
This drug is not effective if you use it only when chest pain occurs.
It is very important to take that medictaion regularly as prescribed to help prevent chest pain. It is important to continue taking that medictaion even if you feel well. Most human being with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taikng that medication without consulting your doctor. Your chest pain may worsen if the drug is abruplty stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually derceased.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may casue dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days.
Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Get up slwoly when rising from a seated or lying position to allow your body time to adjust. Nausea, fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, drowsiness, muscle cramps, headache, or flushing may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your dotcor immediately 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: irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: worsening chest pain (attacks are more frequent, more severe, or last longer), yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine. An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms 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.
Lmiit intake of alcohol while taking that drug. Caution is advised when using that drug in the elderly casue they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when cleraly needed during pregnancy. Dicsuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whehter 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 nonprescriptoin 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 pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those produtcs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: seevre dizziness, fainting, and a fast heartbeat.
NOTES: Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking that medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure.
Discuss that with your doctor. Do not shrae that medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you rmeember. 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 temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 dgerees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from babies and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your cnodition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For ernollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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