Norvasc Blood Pressure Medicine
When it comes to drugs for high blood pressure Norvasc, which is produced by Pfizer Inc, is currently the most prescribed medicine in the world for high blood pressure and is the brand name for the drug amlodipine besylate.
Amlodopine can either be prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs (such as Cadueto, which contains both amlodopine and atorvatatin, or Exforge, which contains both amlodopine and valsarten) and is used to both control high blood pressure and also chest pain resulting from angina.
Norvasc, which is commonly misspelled as Norvase, is a calcium channel blocker which lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so that the heart does not need to pump quite so hard to push blood around the body.
One important thing to remember about Norvasc is that it is designed to control high blood pressure but that it does not cure the condition. It is important therefore to take steps to find the cause of your hypertension and to take steps to lower this naturally, using Norvasc as simply a temporary measure until such time as you can get your blood pressure down through such things as diet and exercise.
Norvasc hypertension dosage.
Norvasc comes in tablet form and is designed to be taken once each day. It is commonly taken in the morning, although it may be taken at any time of day as long you are consistent in doing so from one day to the next. It can also be taken with or without food and with most drinks, including grapefruit juice.
Tablets are available in different dosages and the appropriate dose over time will be advised by your doctor.
Side effects of Norvasc blood pressure medicine.
As with most medicines there may be some side effects to taking Norvasc. In general, these should be mild but you should seek medical advice if you experience any severe side effects, or if the side effects remain with you for any prolonged length of time.
The side effects from Norvasc may include.
- Swelling of your hands or your lower legs, ankles and feet.
- Stomach upset or stomach pain.
- Headache.
- Dizziness or feelings of lightheadedness.
- Hot flushes.
- Drowsiness or excessive tiredness.
Orthostatic hypotension and Norvasc.
Orthostatic hypotension is a condition caused by a sudden fall in blood pressure that often occurs when you stand up after a period of prolonged rest. It is commonly seen in the elderly, in teenagers (because of their rapid growth rate) and in people suffering from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Orthostatic hypotension is also known as postural hypotension, orthostatic reflect, orthostatic intolerance and, in everyday speech, as head rush or a dizzy spell.
Although it is a quite separate condition from high blood pressure there is sometimes thought to be a connection between Norvasc and incidence of orthostatic hypotension because one of the side effects of Norvasc can be dizziness and lightheadedness.
Is there an alternative generic for Norvasc blood pressure medication?
As with many medications, Norvasc is protected by patent until 2007 and it is likely that, once the patent expires, there will be a number of generic alternatives available.
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