Amlodipine
NORVASC
Pronunciation: am-LOE-di-peen (NOR-vask)
“(I) Am loading Nora’s vasc(ulature)”
What it isDihydropyridine L-type calcium-channel blocker; arterial vasodilator for hypertension and angina.
Why this oneIts unusually long, smooth action makes it the default dihydropyridine and makes missed doses less consequential.
What limits itAnkle edema is the common trial-ending effect; it reflects precapillary dilation, so diuretics usually do not fix it.
FDA-approved for
- hypertension (1992)
- angina (~1992)
Off-label
- Raynaud phenomenon
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | Adult | 5 mg QD (2.5 mg QD if small/fragile/elderly or hepatic insufficiency) | 10 mg QD | |
| Hypertension | Pediatric 6-17 yr | 2.5 mg QD | 2.5-5 mg QD | 5 mg QD |
| Chronic stable or vasospastic angina | Adult | 5 mg QD | 10 mg QD (most patients) | 10 mg QD |
| Coronary artery disease | Adult | 5 mg QD | 10 mg QD (most patients) | 10 mg QD |
Titration Wait 7-14 days between titration steps (faster if clinically warranted with frequent assessment).
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Severe hepatic impairment: start 2.5 mg QD and titrate slowly.
Available strengths
- tab 2.5, 5, 10 mg
- sol 2.5, 5, 10 mg/bot
- sol 1 mg/mL
- susp 1 mg/mL
Cautions
- Symptomatic hypotension, particularly with severe aortic stenosis
- Worsening angina or acute MI after starting or increasing dose, particularly with severe obstructive CAD
- Titrate slowly in severe hepatic impairment
Adverse reactions
- Edema (dose-related)
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Somnolence
Pregnancy Limited post-marketing data insufficient to inform drug-associated risk; poorly controlled hypertension poses maternal and fetal risks.
Lactation Present in human milk (median relative infant dose ~4.2%); no adverse effects observed in breastfed infants.
Cost
Generic entry2023
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskPeripheral edema
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityHypotension and edema therapeutically; overdose can cause prolonged vasodilatory or cardiogenic shock.
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