Drug Classifica Dosage Action Indication Contra- Side-

Name tion indication effects

Generic cardiovascular Tablet These medications block the Chest pain (angina) occurs PREGNANCY/ Side effects of
name: agent; 2.5mg, transport of calcium into the because of insufficient NURSING amlodipine are
amlodipi calcium 5mg, 10mg smooth muscle cells lining the oxygen delivered to the MOTHERS: generally mild
ne channel coronary arteries and other heart muscles. Insufficient Generally, and reversible.
blocker; Patient arteries of the body. Since oxygen may be a result of amlodipine is The two most
Brand antihypertensiv Dosage calcium is important in muscle coronary artery blockage avoided in common side
Name: e agent 5 mg OD contraction, blocking calcium or spasm, or because of pregnancy, and effects are
Norvasc transport relaxes artery physical exertion which by nursing headache and
muscles and dilates coronary increases heart oxygen mothers since it edema
arteries and other arteries of demand in a patient with may cross the (swelling) of the
the body. By relaxing coronary coronary artery blood brain lower
arteries, amlodipine is useful in narrowing. Amlodipine is barrier and cause extremities. Less
preventing chest pain (angina) used for the treatment common side
resulting from coronary artery and prevention of angina effects include
spasm. Relaxing the muscles resulting from coronary dizziness,
lining the arteries of the rest of spasm. Amlodipine is also flushing, fatigue,
the body lowers the blood used in the treatment of nausea, and
pressure, which reduces the high blood pressure palpitations
burden on the heart as it
pumps blood to the body.

Nursing Responsibility:
 Monitor BP for therapeutic effectiveness. BP reduction is greatest after peak levels of amlodipine are achieved 6–9 h following oral
doses.
 Monitor for S&S of dose-related peripheral or facial edema that may not be accompanied by weight gain; rarely, severe edema may
cause discontinuation of drug.
 Monitor BP with postural changes. Report postural hypotension. Monitor more frequently when additional antihypertensives or
diuretics are added.
 Monitor heart rate; dose-related palpitations (more common in women) may occur.