Norvasc Drug Card

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NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets

(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency


amlodipine Norvasc Antihypertensive, 2.5 mg PO Q Day
calcium channel
blocker
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
6-9 hrs Unknown 24 hrs Initiate therapy at 2.5 mg/day, increase as required/tolerated (up to 10
mg/day).

Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
Hypertension N/A

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)


(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Inhibits the transport of calcium into myocardial and vascular Hypersensitivity, blood pressure < 90 mm Hg. Use cautiously in:
smooth muscle cells, resulting in inhibition of excitation- Severe hepatic impairment (dosage reduction recommended), geriatric
contraction coupling and subsequent contraction. Systemic patients (dosage reduction recommended; increased risk of
vasodilation resulting in decreased blood pressure. Coronary hypotension), aortic stenosis, history of CHF.
vasodilation resulting in decreased frequency and severity of Common side effects
attacks of angina. Headache, peripheral edema.
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines Lab value alterations caused by medicine
(ask patient specifically) Total serum calcium concentrations are not affected by calcium
Additive hypotension may occur when used concurrently with channel blockers.
other antihypertensives (Prinivil, Coreg) or acute ingestion of Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
alcohol. Do not double doses. May need to be discontinued gradually. Instruct
patient on correct technique for monitoring pulse. Instruct patient to
contact health care professional if heart rate is <50 bpm. Caution
patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension.
May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Advise patient to avoid driving or
other activities requiring alertness until response to the medication is
known. Instruct patient on importance of maintaining good dental
hygiene and seeing dentist frequently for teeth cleaning to prevent
tenderness, bleeding, and gingival hyperplasia (gum enlargement).
Advise patient to notify health care professional if irregular heartbeats,
dyspnea, swelling of hands and feet, pronounced dizziness, nausea,
constipation, or hypotension occurs or if headache is severe or
persistent. Advise patient to take blood pressure weekly and to report
significant changes to health care professional.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this med? Check after giving
Monitor blood pressure and pulse before therapy, Blood pressure < 90 mm Hg or heart rate < 50 Decrease in blood pressure.
during dose titration, and periodically during bpm.
therapy. Monitor ECG periodically during
prolonged therapy. Monitor intake and output
ratios and daily weight. Assess for signs of CHF
(peripheral edema, rales/crackles, dyspnea, weight
gain, jugular venous distention).

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