Amlodipine

Amlodipine (brand name Norvasc) is one option to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to the calcium channel blocker class of medications. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) stop calcium from entering the “slow channels” of the muscles in blood vessels and heart tissue. Calcium causes muscles to squeeze or contract; calcium channel blockers allow the muscles to relax, thereby dilating or opening the blood vessels, lowering the blood pressure, and easing the workload on the heart. Here’s more on what you need to know about amlodipine, its primary uses, and what side effects to be aware of before taking the drug.