Drug Information Classification Mechanism of Action Indication Contraindications Side Effects Nursing Responsibilities

Generic Name: Pharmacologic Pharmacodynamics or Mechanism of General Indication/s: Contraindicated in: (per system preferably) Before Drug Administration:
Amlodipine besylate Classification: Action:  Treatment of mild to  Hypersensitivity to  Check the doctor's order.
Calcium Channel Amlodipine is a calcium channel moderate amlodipine CNS: Anxiety, dizziness,  Perform a physical
Trade Name: Blocker blocking agent that selectively blocks hypertension  Hypotension fatigue, headache, lethargy, assessment and assess
Norvasc calcium influx across cell membranes  To treat chronic  Severe obstructive light-headedness, vital signs.
Therapeutic of cardiac and vascular smooth stable angina coronary artery disease paresthesia, somnolence,  Educate patient about the
Minimum Dose: Classification: muscle without changing serum  Severe aortic stenosis. syncope, tremor drug, its effect, and
5 mg once daily Antihypertensive, calcium concentrations. It reduces Patient’s Indication: common side effects.
Antianginal coronary vascular resistance and Maintenance medication Cautious Use: CV: Arrhythmias, chest pain,  Obtain baseline blood
Maximum Dose: increases coronary blood flow. for management of  Liver disease hypotension, palpitations, pressure monitoring.
10 mg once daily Pregnancy Category Additionally, amlodipine decreases patient’s hypertension  concomitant use with peripheral edema  Advise patient to have
C peripheral vascular resistance, hypotension blood pressure checked
Patient’s Dose: increases oxygen delivery to EENT: Dry mouth, gingival routinely for possible
 CHF, ventricular
10 mg myocardial tissue, and increases hyperplasia, pharyngitis hypotension.
dysfunction
cardiac output. Amlodipine reduces
 GERD
Route: systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial ENDO: Hot flashes During Drug Administration:
PO blood pressure. It also decreases  hepatic disease
 Ensure right patient, right
pain due to angina. GI: Abdominal cramps, drug, right dose, right
Frequency: Interactions: abdominal pain, anorexia,
DRUGS time, and right route.
OD Pharmacokinetics: constipation, diarrhea,
 beta blockers: Possibly  Suggest taking
Absorption: Greater than 90% dysphagia, elevated hepatic
excessive hypotension amlodipine with food to
Availability/Form: absorbed from GI tract. enzymes, esophagitis,
 cyclosporine: Possibly reduce GI upset.
Tablet flatulence, indigestion,
increased blood After Drug Administration:
Peak: 6–9 h. jaundice, nausea,
cyclosporine levels  Monitor BP for therapeutic
Content: pancreatitis, vomiting
 fentanyl: Increased risk effectiveness. BP
In addition to the Duration: 24 h.
of severe hypotension reduction is greatest after
active ingredient, GU: Decreased libido,
and increased fluid peak levels of amlodipine
amlodipine besylate, Distribution: Greater than 95% protein impotence, urinary frequency
each tablet contains bound. volume requirements are achieved 6–9 h
the following inactive during surgery MS: Myalgia following oral doses.
ingredients: Metabolism: In liver (CYP3A4) to  simvastatin: Increased  Tell patient to take missed
microcrystalline inactive metabolites. exposure to simvastatin RESP: Dyspnea dose as soon as
cellulose, dibasic remembered and next
calcium phosphate Elimination: In urine (less than 5–10% SKIN: Dermatitis, flushing, dose in 24 hours.
anhydrous, sodium excreted unchanged), 20–25% in rash  Monitor BP with postural
starch glycolate, and feces. changes. Report postural
magnesium stearate. Other: Weight loss hypotension.
HalfLife: Less than 45 y: 28–69 h;  Exercise caution when
greater than 60 y: 40–120 h. standing and walking due
to possible doserelated
light-headedness/
dizziness.
 Report significant swelling
of face or extremities.
 Tell patient to immediately
notify prescriber of
dizziness, arm or leg
swelling, difficulty
breathing, hives, or rash.