Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology Student: _________________________ Section:___________

PHARMACOLOGY
DRUG STUDY

Brand Name: ____ Norvasc_______________Generic Name : Amlodipine Drug Classification: Calcium Channel Blocker, Antihypertensive

Dosage, Route & Frequency Drug-Drug & Drug-Food Side Effects Adverse Reactions (By
Drug Action Indications Contraindications
Recommended Prescribed Interactions (By System) System)
Hypertension Amlodipine is a calcium Drug-drug. Beta- Treatment of mild to moder- Hyper- sensitivity to Headache, dizziness, CNS: headache, dizziness,
somnolence; palpitations;
channel blocking agent that adrenergic blockers: ate hypertension and stable amlodipine; hypoten- sion; drowsiness, light-
flushing; abdominal pain,
Adult: PO 5–10 mg once selectively blocks calcium increased risk of adverse angina. severe obstructive coronary nausea; edema, fatigue. headedness, fatigue,
daily Geriatric: Start with influx across cell effects Fentanyl, nitrates, artery disease; severe weakness, lethargy
 CV:
2.5 mg, adjust dose at membranes of cardiac and other antihyperten- sives, aortic stenosis. peripheral edema, angina,
intervals of not less than 2 vascular smooth muscle quinidine: additive brady- cardia, hypotension,
wk without changing serum hypotension Drug- CAUTIOUS USE Liver palpitations
 GI: nausea,
calcium concentrations. It behaviors. Acute alcohol disease; concomitant use abdominal discomfort
Adolescent/Child (at least 6 reduces coronary vascular inges- tion: additive with hypotension; CHF, Musculoskeletal: muscle
y old): PO 2.5–5 mg daily resistance and increases hypotension cramps, mus- cle pain or
ventricular dysfunction;
(max: 10 mg) coronary blood flow. inflammation
 Respiratory:
lacta- tion; older adults;
Additionally, amlodipine shortness of breath, dysp-
GERD; hepatic disease;
Stable/Vasospastic decreases peripheral nea, wheezing
 Skin: rash,
Angina Adult: PO 5–10 mg pregnancy (category C);
vascular resistance, pruritus, urticaria, flushing
daily (usually children younger than 6 y.
increases oxygen delivery
to myocardial tissue, and
10 mg)
increases cardiac output.
Amlodipine reduces
Hepatic Impairment
systolic, diastolic, and
Dosage Adjustment
mean arterial blood
pressure. It also decreases
Start with 2.5 mg, adjust
pain due to angina.
dose at intervals of not less
than 2 wk
PHARMACOKINETICS
Absorp- tion: Greater than
90% absorbed from GI
tract. Peak: 6–9 h. Dura-
tion: 24 h. Distribution:
Greater than 95% protein
bound. Metabo- lism: In
liver (CYP3A4) to inactive
 metabolites. Elimination:
In urine (less than 5–10%
excreted un- changed), 20–
25% in feces. Half- Life:
Less than 45 y: 28–69 h;
greater than 60 y: 40–120
h. 


Responsibilities in the Nursing Process (ADPIE) Responsibilities in the Nursing Process (ADPIE)
ASSESSMENT  The client will immediately report rash, shortness of breath, swelling, fever, stomatitis, loose stools, vaginal
 Monitor BP for therapeutic effectiveness. BP reduction is greatest after peak levels of amlodipine are achieved discharge, or cough.
 The client will complete the full course of antibiotic therapy and comply with follow-up care
6–9 h following oral doses. IMPLEMENTATION
 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 patient for worsening angina.

 Monitor BP with postural changes. Report postural hypotension. Monitor more frequently when additional  Monitor heart rate and rhythm and blood pressure, especially at start of therapy.

antihypertensives or diuretics are added.  Assess for heart failure; report signsandsymptoms(peripheral edema, dyspnea) to prescriber promptly.

 Monitor heart rate; dose-related palpitations (more common in women) may occur.
 Give sublingual nitroglycerin, as prescribed, if patient has signs or symp- toms of acute myocardial infarction
POTENTIAL DIAGNOSIS (especially when dosage is increased).
 Injury, Risk for
 Knowledge, Deficient, related to disease process, transmission, and drug therapy EVALUATION
 Noncompliance, related to therapeutic regimen  The client demonstrates an understanding of the drug’s action by accurately describing drug side effects and
PLANNING actions.
 The client will demonstrate an understanding of the drug’s action by accurately describing drug side effects  The client accurately states signs and symptoms to be reported to the healthcare provider.
and precautions.  The client completes the full course of therapy and complies with follow-up care.