DRUG OF THE DAY
amlodipine
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
Before opening the card, recall one use, one safety check and one counseling point.
Reveal the drug learning card
Names and formulations
- Norvasc: oral tablet
Long half-life supports once-daily dosing. Peripheral edema is dose related; new or worsening swelling still deserves clinical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
Common use
Hypertension and symptomatic treatment of chronic stable or vasospastic angina; also used in selected patients with documented coronary artery disease.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle more than cardiac muscle, producing peripheral arterial vasodilation.
Important adverse effects and monitoring
- Monitor blood pressure, dizziness, and peripheral edema.
- Symptomatic hypotension is possible, particularly with severe aortic stenosis.
- Angina or myocardial infarction can worsen after initiation or dose escalation in severe obstructive coronary disease.
Patient counseling
- Take consistently once daily, with or without food.
- Report troublesome ankle swelling, marked dizziness, or worsening chest pain.
Interaction to recognize
With: simvastatin
Why it matters: Amlodipine increases simvastatin exposure.
Practical response: Do not exceed simvastatin 20 mg daily when used with amlodipine.
Check the original sources
- DailyMed — Norvasc (amlodipine) prescribing information
Sections: 1 Indications and Usage; 5 Warnings and Precautions; 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience; 7.2 Impact of Amlodipine on Other Drugs; 12.1 Mechanism of Action; Patient Information. Source checked 2026-09-13.
Selected learning points; verify current labeling for the complete prescribing information.