DRUG STUDY

DRUG ORDER
(Generic name, Brand name,
classification, dosage, route,
frequency)
MECHANISM OF
ACTION
INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE
DRUG
NURSING
RESPONSIBILITIES/
PRECAUTIONS
Generic Name: Amlodopine
Brand Name: Norvasc
Classifications: cardiovascular
agent; calcium channel blocker
Pregnancy Category:C
Amlodipine is a
calcium channel
blocking agent that
selectively blocks
calcium ion reflux
across cell
membranes of
cardiac and
vascular smooth
muscle without
changing serum
calcium
concentrations. It
predominantly acts
on the peripheral
circulation,
decreasing
peripheral vascular
resistance, and
increases cardiac
output.
Treatment of mild to moderate
hypertension and angina.
Hypersensitivity to
amlodipine.
CV:Palpitations, flushing
tachycardia, peripheral or facial
edema, bradycardia, chest pain,
syncope, postural hypotension.
CNS:Light-headedness, fatigue,
headache.
GI:Abdominal pain, nausea,
anorexia, constipation, dyspepsia,
dysphagia, diarrhea, flatulence,
vomiting.
Urogenital:Sexual dysfunction,
frequency, nocturia.
Respiratory:Dyspnea.
Skin:Flushing, rash.
other:Arthralgia, cramps, myalgia.
Monitor BP for therapeutic
effectiveness. BP reduction
is greatest after peak levels
of amlodipine are achieved
69 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.