Generic Name: Amlodopine

Brand Name: Norvasc

Classifications:  cardiovascular

agent; calcium channel blocker

Pregnancy Category:C

Availability  2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

tablets

Actions

Amlodipine is a calcium channel

blocking agent that selectively blocks

calcium ion reflux across cell

membranes of cardiac and

vascular smooth musclewithout

changing serum calcium

concentrations. It predominantly acts

on the peripheral circulation,

decreasing peripheral vascular

resistance, and increases cardiac

output.

Therapeutic effects

Amlodipine reduces systolic,

diastolic, and mean arterial blood

pressure.

Uses   

Treatment of mild to moderate

hypertension and angina.

Contraindicatons

Hypersensitivity to amlodipine.

Route & Dosage

Hypertension

adult:PO  5–10 mg once daily

geriatric:start with 2.5 mg, adjust

dose at intervals of not less than 2 wk

Renal Impairment

Start with 2.5 mg, adjust dose at

intervals of not less than 2 wk

Administration

Oral

Give drug without regard to meals.

Prescribed initial dosages of 2.5 mg

daily are common if added to a

regimen including other

antihypertensive drugs.Note: Doses

are usually titrated over a period of

14 d or more rapidly if warranted.

Store at 15°–30° C (59°–86° F).

Adverse effects

CV:Palpitations, flushing tachycardia

, peripheral or facial edema,

bradycardia, chest pain, syncope,

postural hypotension.

CNS:Light-headedness, fatigue,

headache.

GI:Abdominal pain, nausea,

anorexia, constipation, dyspepsia,

dysphagia, diarrhea, flatulence,

vomiting.

Urogenital:Sexual dysfunction,

frequency, nocturia.

Respiratory:Dyspnea.

Skin:Flushing, rash.

other:Arthralgia, cramps, myalgia.

Nursing Implications  

Assessment & Drug Effects

Monitor BP for therapeutic

effectiveness. BP reduction

is greatest after peak

levels of amlodipine are

achieved 6–9 h following

oral doses.Monitor for S&S

of dose-related peripheral

or facial edema that may

not be accompanied by

weight gain; rarely, severe

edema may cause

discontinuation of drug.

Monitor BP with postural

changes. Report postural

hypotension. Monitor more

frequently when additional

antihypertensives or

diuretics are added.

Monitor heart rate; dose-

related palpitations (more

common in women) may

occur.

Patient & Family Education

Report significant swelling

of face or extremities.

Take care to have support

when standing & walking

due to possible dose-

related

light-headedness/dizziness.

Report shortness of breath,

palpitations, irregular

heartbeat, nausea, or

constipation to physician.

Do not breast feed while

taking this drug without

consulting physician.