Amlodipine besylate controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood to the heart. If taken regularly, this medicine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication to take when you have chest pain.
Amlodipine is also used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children at least 6 years old. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Amlodipine besylate is available as:
- Amlodipine 5 mg tablets (Norvasc)
- Amlodipine 10 mg tablets (Norvasc)
- Amlodipine 2.5 mg tablets (Norvasc)
- Amlodipine 1 mg/mL solution (Norliqva)
- Amlodipine 1 mg/mL oral suspenstion (Katerzia)
The most common amlodipine side may include:
dizziness, drowsiness;
swelling of your legs or ankles;
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
muscle stiffness;
uncontrolled muscle movements;
feeling tired;
stomach pain, nausea; or
flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).
Amlodipine besylate may cause serious side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to amlodipine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, when you first start taking this medicine, your chest pain may get worse or you could have a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating.
Before taking amlodipine besylate, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of amlodipine.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using amlodipine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Amlodipine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are taking.
Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking amlodipine or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.
Overdose symptoms may include rapid heartbeats, redness or warmth in your arms or legs, or fainting.