Norvasc PPH Treatment

Norvasc (amlodipine) is a medicine classified as a Calcium Channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers (also called calcium antagonists) are non-habit-forming medications used to treat Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. They are designed to prevent the entry of calcium ions into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, causing these vessels to widen and relax. As a result, blood pressure is lowered and circulation is improved. Although there are many vasodilators (drugs that relax blood vessels) used to treat PPH, calcium channel blockers have been the most widely tested, and appear to be more effective than other vasodilators. Nevertheless, they are only 20% effective in adults and 40% effective in children. An FDA approved drug called Flolan may help critically ill patients who do not respond to treatment with calcium channel blockers such as Norvasc. Generally, only tests performed during a heart catheterization can determine definatively whether or not calcium channel blocker treatment is the right treatment you.

The dose prescribed for Norvasc (amlodipine) varies and the patient must follow their doctor's orders with regard to dosage. A Typically adult dosage for amlodipine, taken in tablet form for assuaging angina (chest pain) or high blood pressure is 5 to 10 milligrams a day. If a patient's dose is different, he or she should absolutely not change it based on this average. The purpose of including these doses is simply to give amlodipine users a sense of doses typically prescribed.

Before taking Norvasc, patients should inform their doctors and pharmacist of any allergies, particularly of medicine. Patients should also inform their doctor of any prescription and nonprescription medications they are taking, especially fentanyl (Duragesic), high blood pressure medication, and vitamins. They should also inform their doctors of any previous or current, heart, liver, or kidney condition. The doctor should also be made aware of whether or not the patient is pregnant, plans to become pregnant, or is breast-feeding. Because of Norvasc's affect of increasing blood flow, patients who are having surgery, including dental surgery, must inform their doctor or dentist that they are taking this medication. Norvasc is designed to help alleviate chest pains (angina) and other symptoms related to PPH, if patients experience more frequent or more severe chest pain, they should contact their doctor's immediately.

Although side effects from Norvasc are not common, they can occur. Headaches, upset stomachs, dizziness or lightheadedness, excessive tiredness, flushing (feeling of warmth), heartburn, fast heartbeat, muscle cramps, nosebleed, or decreased sex drive are all possible symptoms. If these symptoms persist the patient should contact his or her doctor. Also, if patient's experience more severe symptoms such as swelling of the face or extremities, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fainting, rash, or yellowing of the skin they should contact their doctor immediately. In clinical trials, the most common side effects for Norvasc versus placebo were edema (8.3% vs 2.4%), headache (7.3% vs 7.8%), fatigue (4.5% vs 2.8%), and dizziness (3.2% vs 3.4%).

It may take several weeks for Norvasc to become fully active and for this reason patients must continue taking it even when they feel well. Generally patients will see a drop in their blood pressure 24 hours after starting the medication. If a dose is missed it should be taken as soon as a patient remembers. If it is nearly time for a the next dose, patient's are advised to skip the missed dose and return to their regular regimen. Under no circumstances should they take 2 doses at the same time. It can be taken with or after meals to minimize stomach irritation. Patient's should be sure to follow a low-sodium, low-fat diet if their doctor advises it.



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