Amlodipine Besylate (Antihypertensive)

Question 1

What is the brand name of Amlodipine Besylate?

Answer 1

Norvasc

Question 2

What strength Norvasc tablets are available?

Answer 2

2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg

Question 3

What are the FDA approved indications for Amlodipine Besylate?

Answer 3

Treatment of hypertension:
- Start with 5mg/day. When added to another antihypertensive agent, start with a daily dose of 2.5mg. Maximum dosage is 10mg/day. Titrate to most effective dose over 7-14 days
Treatment of chronic stable or vasoplastic angina:
- 10mg/day

Question 4

What should the providers monitor for a patient taking Norvasc?

Answer 4

Blood Pressure (BP)

Question 5

What is the mechanism for action of Amlodipine Besylate?

Answer 5

It is a calcium channel blocker which inhibits the movement of calcium ions across specific cellular membranes in vascular smooth muscle & cardiac muscle.

Question 6

What are the drug interactions of Norvasc?

Answer 6

May increase the plasma levels of simvastatin

Question 7

What are the contraindications of Amlodipine Besylate?`

Answer 7

• May cause rare increase in risk of engine or myocardial infarction upon starting therapy to increasing dose
• Use with caution in congestive heart failure and hepatic impairment.
• The maximum dose of simvastatin is 20mg/day when used with amlodipine
• Pregnancy Category C

Question 8

What are the adverse effects of Norvasc?

Answer 8

Edema, flushing, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain

Question 9

What should the RPh say when counseling a patient on Amlodipine Besylate?

Answer 9

• May be taken w/o regard to meals
• Contact a MD if adverse effects become severe
• If dose is missed, take ASAP. If taken within 12 hours of the next dose, skip next dose
• Do NOT take OTC cough & cold remedies w/o first checking with RPh or prescriber
• Do not stop therapy unless directed to do so