Dosage, Route and
Name of Drug
Frequency
PO (Adult): 5-10 mg
Generic Name: once daily.
Amlodipine besylate Antihypertensive in
fragile or small patient or
patients already
receiving other
antihypertensives-
Brand Name: initiate 2.5 mg/day,
Norvasc increase as required or
tolerated (up to 10
mg/day) as an
hypertensive therapy
with 2.5 mg/day in
Therapeutic patients with hepatic
Classification: insufficiency.
antihypertensive
MEDICATION
TICKET
Indication Contra- indication Mechanism of Action Drug-to-Drug Interaction Adverse Effects Nursing Responsibility
Alone or with other Hypersensitivity, blood Inhibits the transport of Drug: Adenosine: May CNS: headache, BEFORE
agents in the pressure <90 mmHg calcium into myocardial increase the risk of dizziness, fatigue 1. Monitor blood pressure and pulse
management of and vascular smooth bradycardia. before therapy, during dose tiltration,
hypertension, angina Use cautiously in: severe muscle cells, resulting Bosentan: may decrease CV: peripheral edema, and periodically during therapy.
pectoris and hepatic impairment in inhibition of efficacy of amlodipine: angina, bradycardia, 2. Monitor intake and output ratios
vasospastic (dosage reduction excitation-contraction Additive hypotensive hypotension, palpitations and daily weight. Assess for signs of
(Prinzmetal's) angina. recommended, coupling and effects with other CHF (peripheral edema, rales or
increased risk for subsequent ANTIHYPERTENSIVE GI: crackles, dyspnea, weight gain,
hypotension). Aortic contraction. AGENTS; AZOLE Gingival hyperplasia, jugular venous distention).
stenosis, history of CHF, ANTIFUNGALS (e.g., nausea
pregnancy, lactation, or Therapeutic Effects: fluconazole, itraconazole): DURING
children. Systemic vasodilation May inhibit metabolism of Derm: flushing 1. Ensure to observe the following
resulting in decreased amlodipine. rights of the patient (right medication,
blood pressure. Itraconazole: may right route, right patient, right time
Coronary vasodilation increase edema. and right dosage).
resulting in decreased Food:
frequency and severity Grapefruit juice may AFTER
of angina attacks increase amlodipine 1. Caution patient to continue taking
levels. drug, even when feeling better.
Herbal: Ephedra, Ma 2. Tell patient S.L nitroglycerin may
Huang, melatonin may be taken as needed when angina
antagonize symptoms are acute. If patient
antihypertensive effects. continues nitrate therapy during
adjustment of amlodipine dosage,
urge continued compliance.
3. Instruct patient to notify prescriber
if any unusual symptoms and toxicity
occur.