Drug name: Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine)

Therapeutic effects: The preparation belongs to a group of antihypertensive drugs called Calcium channel blockers. The drug exerts antianginal and hypotensive effects. The preparation binds to dihydropiridine receptors, blocking calcium channels, thus decreasing the transmembral penetration of Ca2+ into the cell. The antianginal effects of the drug by dilating coronary and peripheral arteries and arterioles. The preparation exerts long-term dose-dependent hypotensive effect. The drug dose not cause a sudden loss of blood pressure,but expresses a gradual effect. The drugs effect can be monitored within 2 to 4 hours after administration and lasts for 24 hours.

Indications: Norvasc is normally prescribed in treatment of:

• Arterial hypertension
• Stenocardia or angina
• Vasospastic stenocardia
• Chronic heart failure

The drug may express the following side-effects:

• CNS: headache, dizziness, increased fatigability, somnolence, seizures, loss of consciousness, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, tremor, asthenia, insomnia, nervousness, depression, anxiety, ataxia, amnesia.
• GI tract: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, xerostomia, anorexia, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, dyspepsia, meteorism, gum hyperplasia
• Cardiovascular system: flushing, labored breathing, swelling, increased heart rate, chest pain, orthostatic hypotension, migraine
• Urogenital system: disuria, polyuira, decreased sexual function
• Locomotor system: arthragia, arthrosis, myalgia, myasthenia
• Allergic reactions: rash, hives and etc.
• Other: conjunctivitis, vision impairment, pain in the eyes, coughing rhinitis, change of taste and etc.

Drug interactions:

The drug may interact with the following preparations:

• NSAID's
• Estrogen
• Diuretics
• Neuroleptics
• Anticoagulants
• H2-histamine receptor blockers
• Other antihypertensive drugs

Cautions and restrictions:

The drug should not be used in the following conditions:

• Severe arterial hypotension
• Pregnancy
• Lactation period
• Hypersensitivity to any components of the drug

Amlodipine should be used with caution in the following cases:

• Arterial hypotension
• Aorta stenosis
• Chronic heart failure
• Renal failure
• Age prior to 18 years
• Elderly age
• Acute myocardial infraction

Additional information: The drug should be kept away from children. The preparation should be stored at temperatures not exceeding 25C.