Norvasc (Amlodipine Besylate) is a prescription medication for hypertension from Pfizer Inc. It is available in 88 countries and has been tested in over 700 clinical studies.
Norvasc controls high blood pressure for 24 hours and is also used to treat chest pain associated with angina. It controls hypertension by relaxing blood vessels and allowing blood to flow more freely through them. The most common side effects in clinical trials were swelling of the feet or ankles, fatigue, headache and dizziness. Rare side effects include blood disorders, gynecomastiam, impotence, depression, insomnia, tachycardia, erratic behavior, hepatitis, jaundice, hyperglycemia and tremors.
Norvasc is considered a calcium channel blocker and is also indicated for the treatment of Coronary Artery disease such as Chronic Stable Angina, Vasospastic Angina and Angiographically Documented Coronary Artery disease.
Dosage ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg per day and can be taken with or without food.
Pfizer will lose total patent protection by the end of 2007 therefore a number of generic versions are now available. Norvasc is also available with Lipitor to treat patients with hypertension and high cholesterol in the prescription medication Caduet.
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