Norvasc 5mg Tablets

Amlodipine is a calcium-channel blocker. It relaxes and widens your blood vessels so blood flows more easily.

It is used to:

• treat high blood pressure, which lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes
• prevent chest pain caused by angina

Most people need to take it long term.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day at the same time.

• You can take it with or without food.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, as this can increase side effects.
• If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next one as usual. Never take two doses together.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop unless your doctor tells you to.

Common side effects, some of which ease after about a week, include:

• swollen ankles, feet or legs
• headache, dizziness or sleepiness
• a fast or pounding heartbeat
• a red, warm face or neck (flushing)
• tummy pain, feeling sick, constipation or diarrhoea
• tiredness or weakness

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the tongue or throat, an itchy raised rash or trouble breathing
• sudden severe tummy pain that does not go away
• blistering or peeling skin with flu-like symptoms
• chest pain

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have ever reacted to amlodipine or a similar medicine
• have low blood pressure
• have heart failure, a recent heart attack or heart valve disease
• take simvastatin, rifampicin, antifungals such as fluconazole, some HIV medicines, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, other blood pressure medicines or St John's wort

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Pregnancy: it is not usually recommended, as other medicines are preferred. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is also not usually used when breastfeeding.

Alcohol: limit alcohol, as it can make your blood pressure drop too much.

Driving: do not drive, cycle or use machines if you feel dizzy or sleepy.