Norvasc

Effects of Norvasc

Norvasc decreases blood pressure, reducing the risks that can occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). In clinical studies, the medication reduced systolic blood pressure by 12 points and diastolic blood pressure by 7 points, on average, in people with mild to moderate high blood pressure.
 
In people with exercise-induced angina (chronic stable angina), taking Norvasc increased the amount of time they could exercise before chest pain occurred.
 
For people with variant angina (Prinzmetal's angina), the medication decreased the number of angina attacks.
 

When and How to Take It

Some general considerations for when and how to take Norvasc include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually once a day.
  • You can take Norvasc with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
  • Norvasc should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Norvasc will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Norvasc your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Norvasc Dosing for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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