Norvasc, or amlodipine, is a prescription medication that belongs to the class of antihypertensive called the calcium channel blockers. The drug treats hypertension and chronic chest pain. It is also used for the prevention of hospitalizations due to chest pain in patients who have heart disease. Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the muscles allowing them to relax and expand. This allows an increase the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart. The medication has the potential to produce many side effects.
Edema
Peripheral edema is water retention that occurs in the legs and feet, leading to redness and swelling. Up to 15 percent of patients may experience peripheral edema within two to three weeks of starting the medication; the higher the dose of the drug, the higher the risk of developing this side effect. Pulmonary edema is accumulation of fluids in the lungs. About 15 percent of patients with chronic heart failure may develop pulmonary edema, reports the “Drug Information Handbook.” Signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema are shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing up blood, chest pain, and anxiety or restlessness. The patient should immediately contact a physician if he develops of any of these signs and symptoms.
Hypotension
“Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach” states that a common side effect that may occur with the administration of Norvasc is hypotension, or low blood pressure. The patient should go to a physician regularly to ensure that blood pressure is monitored properly. Low blood pressure may cause symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness. Patients, especially the elderly, should use caution when climbing stairs or moving from sitting or lying position to standing position. If the patient experiences extreme dizziness or faint, she should inform a physician.
Headache and Fatigue
Headache may occur in about 7 percent of individual on Norvasc. Fatigue may also occur in about 4 percent of users, according to the “Drug Information Handbook.” These adverse effects usually go away as the body grows accustomed to the medication. The patient may speak with a pharmacist or physician about taking a pain reliever such as Tylenol. If the head or fatigue do not improve or become worse, the patient should seek medical advice.
Other Side Effects
Palpitations, or increase heart rate, may occur in about 4 percent of patients on Norvasc. Flushing is also seen in about 3 percent of users. Nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting are not common in Norvasc but may occur in about 3 percent of patients. Taking the medications with a meal may help avoid gastrointestinal side effects. Allergic reactions are rare with Norvasc, but if the patient develops a rash or itchiness, she should discontinue the medication and seek medical attention right away.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
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