Common use
This medication belongs to the group of calcium channel blockers. Norvasc selectively blocks channels of L-type (one of six types of channels in tissues) located in a vascular wall, myocard and in particular in cells of conducting and contractile systems of myocardium. By blocking Ca+ ions transfer through membrane Norvasc decreases tone of vessels, arterial pressure. The medication is used to treat hypertension, ischemic heart disease, angina.

Dosage and direction
Do not take this drug if it was not administered to you. Follow all directions of your doctor. It is possible to take Norvasc with or without food. As it is metabolized in liver it should be administered cautiously in patients with liver failure.

Precautions
Avoid drinking alcohol. Before taking Norvasc, inform your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease.

Contraindications
Individual hypersensitivity, arterial hypotension, cardiogenic shock, pregnancy, breastfeeding. Cautiousness is important when Norvasc is administered in patients with chronic heart failure diabetes, lipid metabolism disorders, liver failure and to persons younger 18 y.o.

Possible side effect
The most common side effects are edema of lower extremities and headache. Contact your doctor for medical attention if your feel them and also swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, chest pain, slow, fast, or pounding heartbeats, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling, jaundice.

Drug interaction
Medications which contain Á2+ may decrease Norvasc effect. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications and estrogens may decrease effectiveness of Norvasc. Diuretics may increase Norvasc activity. Concomitant taking with medications containing lithium might aggravate their toxicity.