Description:

Norvasc 10mg 30 tablets is a widely used calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine type) prescribed for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and chronic stable angina (chest pain due to coronary artery disease). It relaxes blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, improves blood flow to the heart, and decreases the heart’s workload. It is effective as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive.

Prescription:

Prescription-only.

Therapeutic Category:

Calcium Channel Blocker / Dihydropyridine Antihypertensive .

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each tablet contains:

• Active ingredient: Amlodipine besylate – equivalent to 10 mg amlodipine. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, and film-coating agents (hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol, talc, iron oxides for coloring). Tablets are white, round, and debossed with “NORVASC 10” or similar.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Norvasc 10mg tablets (standard higher-dose strength). Related variants: Norvasc 5mg tablets (most common starting/maintenance dose), Norvasc 2.5mg tablets (for elderly or hepatic impairment patients). Pack size: 30 tablets is the most common retail pack (also available as 14 or 90 tablets in some markets).

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew).

Directions/Usage:

• Adults (hypertension or angina): 5–10 mg once daily (most patients stabilized on 5 mg; 10 mg for those requiring greater effect).
• Elderly or hepatic impairment: Start at 2.5 mg once daily; may increase to 5–10 mg if tolerated.
• Take at the same time each day, with or without food.
• Duration: Long-term (often lifelong) for hypertension/angina; do not stop suddenly without medical advice.
• Regular blood pressure monitoring required.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Peripheral edema (swelling of ankles/feet – dose-related).
• Headache (usually transient).
• Flushing (warmth/redness of face).
• Fatigue, dizziness.
• Palpitations. Less common: Nausea, abdominal pain, somnolence. Rare/serious (seek help): Severe hypotension, angina worsening, myocardial infarction, severe allergic reactions, or gingival hyperplasia (long-term).

Package Type:

Blister packs (typically 3×10 = 30 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet and dosage instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to amlodipine or dihydropyridines, severe hypotension, shock, or aortic stenosis (severe).
• Caution in severe hepatic impairment (start low dose), heart failure (may worsen), or elderly (increased hypotension/edema risk).
• Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially when starting or increasing dose.
• Edema is common but usually benign; report if severe or accompanied by shortness of breath (possible heart failure worsening).
• Avoid grapefruit juice (increases drug levels and side effects).
• If severe dizziness, chest pain, swelling, or rash occurs, seek medical care immediately.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar amlodipine 10mg tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic amlodipine 10mg tablets (various importers).
• Amlodipine Sandoz, Amlodipine Teva, or other generics.
• Norvasc (original Pfizer brand, higher price if stocked). Alternatives: Nifedipine, felodipine, lercanidipine (other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers), or non-dihydropyridines (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil). Consult cardiologist/physician in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Viatris (formerly Mylan; Viatris is the current brand holder for many generic Norvasc/amlodipine products after acquisition). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Viatris regional affiliates or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked).

Country of Origin:

Varies by batch/market (original Norvasc often manufactured in Ireland or other Pfizer/Viatris facilities; generics from India commonly imported to Ghana).