Katerzia

Generic name:amlodipine [ am-LOE-di-peen ]
Brand names: Katerzia, Norvasc
Drug class:Calcium channel blocking agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 18, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Katerzia?

Katerzia is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Katerzia is used to treat chest pain (angina) and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease.

Katerzia is also used 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

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Katerzia if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease; or

• a heart valve problem called aortic stenosis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether Katerzia will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications such as diabetes or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to 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.

How should I take 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.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking Katerzia or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Katerzia even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Your hypertension or heart condition may be treated with a combination of ...