If you have hypertension, known as high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe you amlodipine besylate (am-LOE-di-peen BES-i-late). This medicine, sold under the brand name Norvasc, helps prevent heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems by lowering high blood pressure.
Amlodipine besylate belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers that relax your blood vessels so your blood flows more easily. They widen your blood vessels, which makes it easier for your heart to pump blood and helps increase the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart.
This also helps prevent a pain or uncomfortable feeling in your chest called angina caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart.
It is important to take the medicine as your doctor prescribes. Many people with high blood pressure do not feel sick, but you may still need the medicine to regulate your blood pressure. The medicine controls your condition. It does not cure it.
It is especially important to take amlodipine besylate regularly if your doctor prescribes it to prevent angina. It is not meant to treat angina when it happens. Your doctor will prescribe another medicine to be used if you have an angina attack.
Amlodipine besylate is not recommended for children.
Make sure to share your medical history with your doctor, especially letting him know if you have a history of liver problems or heart disease, including heart failure. Talk to your doctor about the risks before taking this medicine while breast feeding or if you are pregnant.
People have reported having side effects while taking amlodipine besylate. Seek help immediately if you have side effects such as:
- Chest pain
- Eye pain or changes in vision
- Changes in mood, such as feeling nervous or anxious
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when you stand up
- Symptoms of liver disease, including yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark colored urine and itching
- Unusual tiredness
- Severe swelling of your ankles, feet, face or hands
- Less serious side effects include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Irregular or fast heartbeats
- Nausea or stomach pain
Talk to your doctor if any of these side effects get worse or do not go away.
Visit our Amlodipine Besylate page to get more information about the drug and to get free Amlodipine Besylate coupons to save on the retail cost of the medication.
