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Norvasc (Amlodipine besylate): Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

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Prescription (Rx)
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2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
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Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed · About this document

Patient information: uses, side effects, how to take - Norvasc

What is NORVASC?

NORVASC is a type of medicine known as a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and a type of chest pain called angina. It can be used by itself or with other medicines to treat these conditions.

High Blood Pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure comes from blood pushing too hard against your blood vessels. NORVASC relaxes your blood vessels, which lets your blood flow more easily and helps lower your blood pressure. Drugs that lower blood pressure lower your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Angina

Angina is a pain or discomfort that keeps coming back when part of your heart does not get enough blood. Angina feels like a pressing or squeezing pain, usually in your chest under the breastbone. Sometimes you can feel it in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaws, or back. NORVASC can relieve this pain.

Who should not use NORVASC?

Do not use NORVASC if you are allergic to amlodipine (the active ingredient in NORVASC), or to the inactive ingredients. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you a list of these ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before taking NORVASC?

Tell your doctor about any prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking, including natural or herbal remedies.

Tell your doctor if you:

  • ever had heart disease
  • ever had liver problems
  • are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor will decide if NORVASC is the best treatment for you.
  • are breast-feeding. NORVASC passes into your milk.

How should I take NORVASC?

  • Take NORVASC once a day, with or without food.

  • It may be easier to take your dose if you do it at the same time every day, such as with breakfast or dinner, or at bedtime. Do not take more than one dose of NORVASC at a time.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take NORVASC if it has been more than 12 hours since you missed your last dose. Wait and take the next dose at your regular time.
  • Other medicines: You can use nitroglycerin and NORVASC together. If you take nitroglycerin for angina, don’t stop taking it while you are taking NORVASC.
  • While you are taking NORVASC, do not stop taking your other prescription medicines, including any other blood pressure medicines, without talking to your doctor.
  • If you took too much NORVASC, call your doctor or Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What should I avoid while taking NORVASC?

  • Do not start any new prescription or non-prescription medicines or supplements, unless you check with your doctor first.

What are the possible side effects of NORVASC?

NORVASC may cause the following side effects. Most side effects are mild or moderate:

  • swelling of your legs or ankles
  • tiredness, extreme sleepiness
  • stomach pain, nausea
  • dizziness
  • flushing (hot or warm feeling in your face)
  • arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
  • heart palpitations (very fast heartbeat)
  • muscle rigidity, tremor and/or abnormal muscle movement

It is rare, but when you first start taking NORVASC or increase your dose, you may have a heart attack or your angina may get worse. If that happens, call your doctor right away or go directly to a hospital emergency room.

Tell your doctor if you are concerned about any side effects you experience. These are not all the possible side effects of NORVASC. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I store NORVASC?

Keep NORVASC away from children. Store NORVASC Tablets at room temperature (between 59° and 86°F). Keep NORVASC out of the light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep NORVASC in a dry place.

General advice about NORVASC

Sometimes, doctors will prescribe a medicine for a condition that is not written in the patient information leaflets. Only use NORVASC the way your doctor told you to. Do not give NORVASC to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about NORVASC, or you can contact Viatris at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX).

Distributed by:

Viatris Specialty LLC

Morgantown, WV 26505 U.S.A.

© 2023 Viatris Inc.

NORVASC is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC, a Viatris Company.

UPJ:PL:NRVSCT:R1p

Revised: 2/2023

About this document

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed · Application number: NDA 019787 · View the label on DailyMed

Revision date stated in the text: February 2023

Found a mistake? Write to us via the contact page.

The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Drug information for Norvasc

Rx or OTC
Prescription (Rx)?
  • This drug is available only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
  • Rx
Drug class Calcium Channel Blocker, Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker
Active ingredient Amlodipine besylate
Dosage form Tablet
Route Oral
Marketing status listed in the FDA NDC Directory
Company (applicant) VIATRIS
FDA approval NDA 019787New Drug Application (NDA) Approved July 31, 1992
Reference listed drug This is the reference listed drug (RLD) that generics are compared with.
Therapeutic equivalence (TE) code ABCodes starting with A mean the FDA rates the drug therapeutically equivalent to its reference drug (Orange Book).
Generics Amlodipine with the same TE code
Manufacturers 2 labelers list this drug on DailyMed
Packages (NDC)
Package
2.5 mg – 90 in 1 bottle NDC 58151-353-77
5 mg – 90 in 1 bottle NDC 58151-354-77
5 mg – 1 in 1 blister pack / 100 in 1 box, unit-dose NDC 58151-354-88
5 mg – 300 in 1 bottle NDC 58151-354-30
10 mg – 90 in 1 bottle NDC 58151-355-77
10 mg – 1 in 1 blister pack / 100 in 1 box, unit-dose NDC 58151-355-88

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed, data as of October 31, 2026. FDA data (DailyMed, Orange Book, Drug Shortages, enforcement reports). Not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.