Generic name: amlodipine [ am-loe-di-peen ]
Drug class: Calcium channel blocking agents
Dosage form: oral suspension
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Amlodipine, Norvasc, Norliqva
What is Katerzia?
Katerzia is used in adults alone or in combination with other medicines to treat chest pain (angina) and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease.
Katerzia is also used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children at least 6 years old. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Katerzia may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
How should I use Katerzia
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Katerzia is usually taken once per day.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
If you have high blood pressure, keep using Katerzia even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Do not change your doses or stop taking any of your medications without your doctor's advice.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.
Store Katerzia tablets and oral solution (liquid) at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Store Katerzia oral suspension in the refrigerator, do not freeze.
Before Taking
You should not take Katerzia if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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severe narrowing of a certain valve in your heart (aortic stenosis), or other heart problems;
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coronary artery disease (clogged arteries); or
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liver disease.
It is not known if Katerzia will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications or medical problems in both mother and baby. The benefit of treating hypertension may outweigh any risks to the baby.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include rapid heartbeats, redness or warmth in your arms or legs, or fainting.
What should I avoid while using Katerzia?
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Katerzia side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, when you first start taking Katerzia, your chest pain may get worse or you could have a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating.
Katerzia may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
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worsening chest pain; or
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
Common side effects of Katerzia may include:
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dizziness, drowsiness;
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swelling of your legs or ankles;
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irregular heartbeat;
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pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
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muscle stiffness;
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uncontrolled muscle movements;
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feeling tired;
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stomach pain, nausea; or
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flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Katerzia Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Katerzia?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.
Other drugs may affect Katerzia, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.