amlodipine besylate

amlodipine besylate (amlō´dipēn bes´lāt),

n brand name: Norvasc;
drug class: calcium channel blocker;
action: inhibits calcium ion influx across cell membrane during cardiac depolarization; produces relaxation of coronary vascular smooth muscle and dilates coronary arteries; decreases SA/AV node conduction;
uses: hypertension as a single agent or in combination with other antihypertensives, chronic stable angina pectoris, vasospastic angina.

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amlodipine besylate

a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocking agent, used in the treatment of hypertension.

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amlodipine besylate

Norvasc

Pharmacologic class: Calcium channel blocker

Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Inhibits influx of extracellular calcium ions, thereby decreasing myocardial contractility, relaxing coronary and vascular muscles, and decreasing peripheral resistance

Availability

Tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Essential hypertension, chronic stable angina pectoris, and vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal's angina)

Adults: 5 to 10 mg P.O. once daily

Dosage adjustment

• Hepatic impairment
• Elderly patients

Off-label uses

• Pulmonary hypertension
• Raynaud's disease

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• aortic stenosis, severe hepatic impairment, heart failure
• elderly patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients.
• children.

Administration

• Be aware that this drug may be given alone or with other drugs to relieve hypertension or angina.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Unknown	6-9 hr	24 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, fatigue, weakness, lethargy

CV: peripheral edema, angina, bradycardia, hypotension, palpitations

GI: nausea, abdominal discomfort

Musculoskeletal: muscle cramps, muscle pain or inflammation

Respiratory: shortness of breath, dyspnea, wheezing

Skin: rash, pruritus, urticaria, flushing

Interactions

Drug-drug. Beta-adrenergic blockers: increased risk of adverse effects

Fentanyl, nitrates, other antihypertensives, quinidine: additive hypotension

Drug-behaviors. Acute alcohol ingestion: additive hypotension

Patient monitoring

☞ Monitor patient for worsening angina.
• Monitor heart rate and rhythm and blood pressure, especially at start of therapy.
☞ Assess for heart failure; report signs and symptoms (peripheral edema, dyspnea) to prescriber promptly.
☞ Give sublingual nitroglycerin, as prescribed, if patient has signs or symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (especially when dosage is increased).

Patient teaching

• If patient also uses sublingual nitroglycerin, tell him he can take nitroglycerin as needed for acute angina.
• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions, especially those related to the drugs and behaviors mentioned above.

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amlodipine besylate

Norvasc^® Cardiology A CCB used to treat HTN and angina pectoris. See ACT, Calcium channel blocker, PRAISE.