am/lō’ di/pēn bes’ əl/ āt

Brand Name: Norvasc®

• Generic Available

Common Dosage Forms:

  • Tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg

FDA Indications/Dosages:

  • Treatment of hypertension: Start with 5 mg daily. When added to another antihypertensive agent, start with a daily dose of 2.5 mg. Maximum dosage is 10 mg once daily. Titrate to most effective dose over 7 to 14 days.
  • Treatment of chronic stable or vasospastic angina: 10 mg once daily.

Monitor: BP

Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics:

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker which inhibits the movement (influx) of calcium ions across specific cellular membranes (slow channels) in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. Amlodipine inhibits calcium influx in vascular smooth muscle more than in cardiac muscle. Specific effects include: a decrease in peripheral vascular resis- tance; (2) a dilation of coronary arteries and arterioles; (3) an inhibition of coronary spasm. Peak plasma levels are reached in 6- 12 hours. Amlodipine is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine as inactive metabolites. 93% is bound to plasma proteins. Terminal half-life is 30-50 hours.

Drug Interactions:

May increase the plasma levels of simvastatin.

Contraindications/Precautions:

May cause rare increase in risk of angina or myocardial infarction upon starting therapy or increasing dose. Use with caution in congestive heart failure and hepatic impair- ment. The maximum dose of simvastatin is 20 mg daily when used with amlodipine. Pregnancy Category C.

Adverse Effects:

Edema, flushing, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

Patient Consultation:

  • May be taken without regard to meals.
  • Contact a physician if adverse effects become severe.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and children.
  • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If taken within 12 hours of the next dose, skip the next dose and return to schedule.
  • Do not take OTC cough and cold remedies without first checking with your physician or pharmacist.
  • Do not stop therapy unless directed to do so by a physician.