Drugs.com states that amlodipine besylate, or Norvasc, is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. This medication is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure or chest pain, also known as angina. Amlodipine besylate blocks calcium, which is an electrolyte that causes blood vessels to shrink, or vasoconstrict. Reducing the effects of calcium on blood vessels can have significant effects of which a patient should be aware.
Vasodilator
According to Drugs.com, amlodipine besylate causes vasodilation, or widening, of the blood vessels in the body. Widening the blood vessels in the vasculature system results in a reduction in blood pressure. This results in a decreased workload on the heart muscle that forces blood through the bloodstream. Amlodipine vasodilates blood vessels, because it blocks the calcium molecule, which causes vasoconstriction, or blood vessel shrinkage. Thus, amlodipine besylate is commonly prescribed to reduce blood pressure in certain patients. Therefore, a patient prescribed amlodipine besylate for blood pressure should take the medication as directed. He should not stop taking the medication without first consulting his doctor.
Chest Pain Relief
Amlodipine besylate can relieve chest pain, according to MayoClinic.com. Drugs.com proposes two mechanisms in which amlodipine besylate may reduce blood pressure. First, amlodipine besylate reduces blood pressure, which decreases the workload and oxygen demand of the heart muscle. Heart muscle that works hard and has limited oxygen can cause chest pain. Because the heart does not have to work as hard, a patient will not experience chest pain with exertion or physical activity.
Secondly, amlodipine besylate can block constriction or spasm of the coronary arteries, which are the arteries that supply the heart muscles with oxygen and nutrients. Because the coronary arteries remain open, a patient is less likely to experience chest pain.
Arrhythmia
Although amlodipine besylate has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure and in preventing chest pain, there are adverse effects associated with amlodipine besylate use. Drugs.com states that amlodipine besylate is well tolerated, but a patient may experience an arrhythmia. This occurs because calcium channels in the heart muscle may also be blocked by amlodipine besylate, which can result in a fast or irregular heartbeat. A fast or irregular heartbeat can further cause chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness. Thus, a patient experiencing an irregular heartbeat should inform his doctor of this side effect of amlodipine besylate therapy.
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