Norvasc (Amlodipine) Dosage: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Norvasc, also known by its generic name amlodipine, is commonly prescribed by cardiologists and physicians. This drug primarily helps control blood pressure. Chest pains, such as angina, can also be alleviated while using Norvasc or amlodipine. When considering the dosage, your doctor will likely take into account a number of factors. Pre-existing conditions, liver function, and other medications that are already being taken are a few things that can determine dosage. However, dosing is not usually that complicated with this particular drug. Here are some of the general guidelines followed by most healthcare professionals.

Supposing that a person is otherwise healthy, starting Norvasc is relatively easy. At first, Norvasc 5 mg is taken. This is a pill taken once a day. If the dose needs to be increased, most doctors will do so one or two weeks after the initial dose. The increase is usually only a 2.5 mg increase. If this is tolerated well, but another increase is still necessary, a further increase will be prescribed after another 7-14 days. Normally, a maximum dose of one amlodipine 10mg pill per day is prescribed. Once the desired amount of medication is reached, patients are normally on a 5-10mg per day regimen. This can then be maintained over a multi-year course if necessary.

These are the basics when dealing with Norvasc or amlodipine. Hypertension is pretty much treated just as described above. To keep high blood pressure under control, a general maintenance program of Norvasc 5mg per day is taken. However, for more extreme cases, 10mg may be prescribed. Coronary artery disease is treated a bit differently. Usually a patient with this type of heart disease will require a bit more medication, so the initial start up can begin with an amlodipine 10mg or Norvasc 10 mg dose. Sometimes a doctor will recommend a starting dose of 5mg and work up to 10mg for maintenance. This will likely vary depending on the patient, progression of the disease, and how much of the drug it takes to achieve the desired effect. For those suffering with angina pain, the dose is determined much the same way as it is for coronary artery disease.

Modification of the doses can be made at any time. Hepatic insufficiency or severe hepatic impairment will play a major role in determining Norvasc dosage. Other medication can also help your doctor decide on how much medication to put you on. Whatever is decided, following the dosage instructions closely will ensure safe usage and maximum benefits.