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Do any drugs interact with Norvasc?

Norvasc (generic name amlodipine) is a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), angina (chest pain), and other cardiovascular conditions. Norvasc belongs to the group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. They work by relaxing the blood vessels. Other calcium channel blockers include >Plendil (felodipine) and >Procardia (nifedipine).

Oral antifungal drugs such as Diflucan (fluconazole), Sporanox (itraconazole), and Nizoral (ketoconazole) may cause Norvasc to accumulate in the body. This could increase the risk of side effects. Invirase (saquinavir), a drug used to treat HIV infection, can have the same effect when taken with Norvasc. Your doctor may need to adjust your Norvasc dose if you take any of these drugs.

Side effects can also occur if Norvasc is combined with Neoral (cyclosporine), a drug used by many transplant patients to prevent organ rejection. These drugs should only be used together under the close supervision of a doctor.

Sources:
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex, Inc., 2001.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons, 2001.
Schrama, Y.C. "Interactions of Cyclosporin A and Amlodipine: Blood Cyclosporin A Levels, Hypertension, and Kidney Function," Journal of Hypertension Supplement (1998).
Norvasc Product Information, www.norvasc.com. Pfizer Inc., 2001.

This answer prepared 7/19/01.