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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Take the Salt Quiz! Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
initiation of amlodipine treatment can occur, especially in patients already taking another blood pressure lowering medication. In rare instances, congestive heart failure has been associated with amlodipine, usually in patients already on a beta blocker. PREGNANCY: Generally, amlodipine is avoided in pregnancy, and by nursing mothers and children. NURSING MOTHERS: Generally, amlodipine is avoided in pregnancy, and by nursing mothers and children. SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of amlodipine are generally mild and reversible. The two most common side effects are headache and edema(swelling) of the lower extremities. Less common side effects includedizziness, flushing, fatigue, nausea, and palpitations.
your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain structural heart problem (aortic stenosis), very low blood pressure,liver disease.This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness.Duringpregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting, severe dizziness. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, reducing stress, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.Check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor.
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(am-lodi-peen) Norvasc Classifications: cardiovascular agent; calcium channel blocker; antihypertensive agent Prototype: Nifedipine Pregnancy Category: C 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.