Amlodipine

Amlodipine

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Trade names	Norvasc
Therapeutic class	Antihypertensive, antianginal
Pharmacologic class	Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
Onset / peak / duration	Onset gradual; peak 6 to 12 hours; duration about 24 hours.
Half-life / level	Half-life 30 to 50 hours; no routine level.
Routes	PO (oral)
High-alert (ISMP)	No
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	Calcium and supportive care for severe overdose.
Pregnancy / lactation	Use only if benefit outweighs risk.

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Amlodipine (brand name Norvasc) — Antihypertensive, antianginal; Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive, antianginal.
• Pharmacologic class: Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, causing arterial vasodilation and reduced blood pressure with little effect on heart rate.
• Onset / peak / duration: Onset gradual; peak 6 to 12 hours; duration about 24 hours.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 30 to 50 hours; no routine level.

Clinical use

• Indications: Hypertension, chronic stable and vasospastic angina.
• Usual dose, route, frequency: 2.5 to 10 mg PO once daily.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Max 10 mg/day; start 2.5 mg in elderly or hepatic impairment.

Safety

• Contraindications: Severe aortic stenosis, known hypersensitivity.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: Simvastatin (dose limit), CYP3A4 inhibitors, grapefruit juice (food), other antihypertensives.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Use only if benefit outweighs risk.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Peripheral edema, flushing, headache, dizziness.
• Serious effects to report: Severe hypotension, worsening angina at initiation, reflex tachycardia.
• Antidote / reversal: Calcium and supportive care for severe overdose.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Blood pressure, heart rate, edema, liver function.
• Interventions during therapy: Assess ankle edema; the long half-life means slow onset of full effect.
• Monitor: Blood pressure, edema.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Blood pressure at goal; reduced angina.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Ankle swelling is common and not the same as heart failure.
• Notify provider if: Significant swelling, fainting, chest pain.
• Administration tips: Any time daily; limit grapefruit.