Norvasc Side Effects

Generic name: amlodipine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 11, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Norvasc.

Applies to amlodipine: oral solution, oral suspension, oral tablet Side Effects associated with amlodipine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Norvasc.

Applies to amlodipine: oral solution, oral suspension, oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause worsening of angina (chest pain) or a heart attack in certain patients with severe heart or blood vessel disease. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, or sweating.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning. If you faint, call your doctor right away.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur if you exercise or if the weather is hot. Heavy sweating can cause loss of too much water and result in low blood pressure. Use extra care during exercise or hot weather.

Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

If you have been using this medicine regularly for several weeks, do not suddenly stop using it. Stopping suddenly may cause your chest pain or high blood pressure to come back or get worse. Check with your doctor for the best way to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely.

After taking a dose of this medicine you may get a headache that lasts for a short time. This should become less noticeable after you have taken this medicine for a while. If this effect continues, or if the headaches are severe, check with your doctor.

In some patients, tenderness, swelling, or bleeding of the gums may appear soon after treatment with this medicine is started. Brushing and flossing your teeth carefully and regularly and massaging your gums may help prevent this. See your dentist regularly to have your teeth cleaned. Check with your doctor or dentist if you have any questions about how to take care of your teeth and gums, or if you notice any tenderness, swelling, or bleeding of your gums.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Norvasc

Along with its needed effects, amlodipine (the active ingredient contained in Norvasc) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking amlodipine:

Other side effects of Norvasc

Some side effects of amlodipine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to amlodipine: oral liquid, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects include headache, edema, rash, fatigue, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Edema (up to 14.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Palpitations, ankle edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypotension, chest pain
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Myocardial infarction, arrhythmia (including bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation), vasculitis, cardiac failure, pulse irregularity, extrasystoles, hot flush
• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, peripheral ischemia, postural hypotension^[Ref]

Myocardial infarction, chest pain, and arrhythmia (e.g., bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation) cannot be distinguished from the natural history of the underlying disease.

Edema occurred in 14.6% of female patients given this drug compared to 5.6% of male patients, and was more likely to occur in patients given the 10 mg dose (compared to the 5 and 2.5 mg doses).^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, dizziness, headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tremor, taste perversion/dysgeusia, syncope, hypoesthesia, paresthesia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hypertonia, peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, migraine, amnesia, parosmia
• Frequency not reported: Extrapyramidal syndrome, postural dizziness, vertigo^[Ref]

Headache occurred commonly during clinical trials, especially at the beginning of treatment.

Extrapyramidal syndrome may be associated with this drug.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, nausea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting, dyspepsia, altered bowel habits (including diarrhea and constipation), dry mouth
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pancreatitis, gastritis, gingival hyperplasia, loose stools
• Frequency not reported: Dysphagia, flatulence^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Flushing
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Alopecia, skin discoloration, increased sweating/hyperhidrosis, pruritus, rash, exanthema
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Erythema multiforme, urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Quincke edema, photosensitivity, skin dryness, cold and clammy skin, dermatitis^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tinnitus, asthenia, pain, malaise
• Frequency not reported: Rigors, thirst^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Micturition disorder, nocturia, increased urinary frequency, impotence
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Dysuria, polyuria
• Frequency not reported: Male/female sexual dysfunction^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthralgia, myalgia, muscle cramps, back pain
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Muscle weakness
• Frequency not reported: Arthrosis, twitching^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Insomnia, mood changes (including anxiety), depression
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Confusion
• Frequency not reported: Abnormal dreams, depersonalization, nervousness, apathy, agitation^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea, rhinitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cough
• Frequency not reported: Epistaxis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Visual disturbance (including diplopia)
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Abnormal visual accommodation, xerophthalmia
• Frequency not reported: Abnormal vision, conjunctivitis, eye pain^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight increase/decrease
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hyperglycemia, increased appetite
• Frequency not reported: Anorexia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Purpura
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gynecomastia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis, jaundice, hepatic enzymes increased^[Ref]

Increased hepatic enzymes were mostly consistent with cholestasis.

Some cases of hepatitis, jaundice, and/or hepatic enzyme elevations were severe enough to require hospitalization; however, the association with this drug was uncertain in most cases.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Allergic reactions, angioedema^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
• How do I reduce swelling from amlodipine?
• How long does it take for amlodipine to work?
• Does amlodipine cause weight gain?
• What medications cause swollen ankles and feet?
• Best time to take amlodipine - day or night?
• How long does amlodipine stay in your system?

Further information

Norvasc side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer