Norvasc - reliable and affordable assistant in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Twenty first century inherited from the twentieth-century the problem of growth of morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease.

Modern medicine has a large and continuously replenished arsenal of drugs used to treat heart diseases. Calcium channel blockers occupy one of the leading role in the treatment of heart problems.

Despite the fact that the action mechanism of calcium channel blockers is similar, their clinical effects differ substantially. First-generation calcium channel blockers like verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine, have several disadvantages like a short period of action, negative effects on the contractile function of cardiac muscle. Some of the first calcium channel blockers slow down the conduction of cardiac impulse up to a dangerous bradycardia. New generation calcium channels do not affect heart rate and contractile ability of the myocardium due to their selective effect on vascular smooth muscle cells.

A recognized "flagship" of the third generation is amlodipine (Norvasc) which posesses the longest and antiischemic and antihypertensive action. The effectiveness and safety of Norvas has been studied in a large number of clinical studies. For a short period of time Norvasc became one of the leading hypertension drugs.

One of the important Norvasc includes its metabolic neutrality. Unlike other hypertension remedies in long-term administration Norvasc does not provoke the progression of atherosclerosis, it can be used in patients suffering from bronchial asthma, diabetes, gout and kidney disease. While Norvasc application there are observed favorable effect for the maintenance of renal function such as increased renal blood flow, filtration and excretory function.

Norvasc is a brand name drug that is commonly used for the treatment of high blood pressure, certain types of chest pain, and certain types of coronary artery disease. In some situations, Norvasc is also used for the treatment of other medical conditions (as an off-label use), such as cluster headaches, migraines, Raynaud's syndrome, and congestive heart failure.

Norvasc is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. and is available in three different strengths: Norvasc 2.5 mg, Norvasc 5 mg, and Norvasc 10 mg. This prescription medication has been approved for use in both adults and children ages 6-17 for the treatment of high blood pressure.

The recommended starting Norvasc dose in people with high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart disease is Norvasc 5 mg once daily. If necessary, your healthcare provider may increase your dose up to Norvasc 10 mg daily. The dosage can also be decreased if you experience bothersome Norvasc side effects.The recommended starting dose of Norvasc for children ages as young as six years old with high blood pressure is Norvasc 2.5 to 5 mg once daily.

Norvasc is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. However, the patents for this drug have expired, and generic Norvasc is now available.

Generic Norvasc tablets are available in the following strengths:

• Amlodipine 2.5 mg
• Amlodipine 5 mg
• Amlodipine 10 mg

This drug is made by several different manufacturers, including:

• Apotex
• Okasa
• Greenstone Ltd
• Mylan Pharmaceuticals
• Roxane Laboratories
• Synthon Pharmaceuticals