Norvasc (amlodipine) is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Norvasc is used to treat chest pain (angina) and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease.

Norvasc is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Amlodipine is for use in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Norvasc even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Take Norvasc exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take Norvasc with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking Norvasc or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Norvasc even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause angina (chest pain) or a heart attack in certain patients with severe heart or blood vessel disease. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, or sweating.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning. If you faint, call your doctor right away.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur if you exercise or if the weather is hot. Heavy sweating can cause loss of too much water and result in low blood pressure. Use extra care during exercise or hot weather.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Norvasc: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common Norvasc side effects may include:

- Dizziness, drowsiness

- Feeling tired

- Stomach pain, nausea

- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)

- Swelling in your ankles and lower part of your legs

What is this medicine?

Amlodipine is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. This medicine is used to lower high blood pressure. It is also used to prevent chest pain.

What if I miss a dose? 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine? 

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C).

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.