Amlodipine Tablets

What is this medication?

AMLODIPINE (am LOE di peen) treats high blood pressure and prevents chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing blood vesselswhich decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Norvasc

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to amlodipineother medicationsfoodsdyesor preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomachtake it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 for selected conditionsprecautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dosetake it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dosetake only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Clarithromycin
• Cyclosporine
• Diltiazem
• Itraconazole
• Simvastatin
• Tacrolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicinesherbsnon-prescription drugsor dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smokedrink alcoholor use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

Do not treat yourself for coughscoldsor pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

This medication may affect your coordinationreaction timeor judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rashitchinghivesswelling of the facelipstongueor throat
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chestshouldersarmsor jawnauseashortness of breathcold or clammy skinfeeling faint or lightheaded
• Low blood pressure—dizzinessfeeling faint or lightheadedblurry vision
• Worsening chest pain (angina)—painpressureor tightness in the chestneckbackor arms

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Facial flushingredness
• Heart palpitations—rapidpoundingor irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the ankleshandsor feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medicationcheck the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sureask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trashempty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litterdirtcoffee groundsor other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicinetalk to your doctorpharmacistor health care provider.