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Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are now considered the most common in the world and are the most common cause of death in modern society. Moreover, with age, such diseases become more and more common (children most often have congenital pathologies, and acquired ones are extremely rare). In connection with this trend, the development and introduction of new pharmacological drugs is considered a vital necessity in our time.

Now in pharmacies you can find a huge variety of pharmacological drugs used to treat cardiac diseases. Particular attention is paid to antihypertensive medications, since high blood pressure worries almost all people after fifty years of age. It is considered one of the most effective and time-tested antihypertensive drugs. If this medication cannot be prescribed, analogues to replace it must be selected with special care in order to ensure the desired therapeutic effect without causing any harm to the patient’s body.

When are Amlodipine substitutes prescribed?

There are a number of situations in which it may be necessary to replace it with some other drug with a similar therapeutic effect. Most often, you need to select an analogue if:

• individual intolerance to the medication has arisen;
• an allergic reaction has appeared (can manifest itself in the form of itching, rash on the skin (exanthema) or mucous membranes (enanthema), anaphylactic shock).

Some patients may experience unwanted side effects that make it impossible to take the prescribed medication.

The choice of medication used for treatment may also be affected by cost. Because some imported drugs have a very high price, and not everyone can afford constant treatment with them.

Types of analogues

Norvasc or Amlodipine: which is better?

The main active ingredient of Norvasc is amlodipine, which is why there are no fundamental differences between these drugs. But Norvask is produced in Germany, so it is considered higher quality. Randomized studies have proven that the percentage of complications from the use of Norvasc is slightly lower. This gives reason to say that, naturally, it is better to choose Norvask, but its high cost can stop many. The list of indications and contraindications is the same for both medications, but even despite this, you cannot switch from one drug to another on your own.

Felodipine or Amlodipine: what to choose

Both Amlodipine and Amlodipine have the same effects as both block calcium ion channels. The compared products have a fairly long-lasting effect and are well absorbed in our gastrointestinal tract.

Felodipine improves the well-being of patients by reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure and normalizing the content of sodium ions in the blood and intercellular fluid, which prevents the accumulation of fluid in tissues and the appearance of edema. Many doctors consider it inappropriate to change the main medication to Felodipine due to the fact that these pharmacological drugs are too similar to each other.

Normodipine or Amlodipine: comparative characteristics

Normodipine is considered a higher quality and more effective medicine, so many patients prefer it. The cost of Normodipine is eight to ten times higher than the price of Amlodipine (an average package will cost about 50 rubles). Normodipine costs 450-500 rubles at the pharmacy.

Normodipine is produced in Germany, and Amlodipine is produced by domestic pharmaceutical companies.

The mechanism of action of both medications is similar and is not fundamentally different (they initiate relaxation of the vascular wall due to changes in calcium metabolism).

Amlotop as an analogue

In fact, Amlotop and Amlodipine are listed as the same drug, only produced by different companies in different countries. The indications and contraindications for prescribing these drugs are the same. The effectiveness is also equal; there is no reliable evidence that any of these drugs is better or worse. Adverse reactions to their use are equally rare.

Lerkamen or Amlodipine: which is better?

These medicines have different active ingredients, but they both belong to the same group of drugs. Amlodipine has more different dosages, which may be an advantage for those who do not want to break pills. Lerkamen has a slightly shorter effect, but it can also be taken only once a day. The maximum effect of the first medication develops six hours after ingestion, and Lerkamen within one and a half to two hours.

Losartan or Amlodipine: comparative characteristics

It belongs to the group of angiotensin receptor antagonists and also promotes peripheral vasostriction, but realizes this effect through a different mechanism. It is possible to say which drug is better only in relation to an individual patient, since Losartan has its own contraindications and specific prescriptions.

Indapamide or Amlodipine: what to choose

It is a diuretic that lowers blood pressure by reducing the amount of fluid in the bloodstream. This mechanism of action is fundamentally different from that of Amlodipine, so it cannot be said that Indopamide can replace a medication from the group of calcium channel blockers. The most rational solution would be to prescribe both of these drugs together, rather than just one.

Amlorus as an analogue

Amlorus has the same composition, therefore it is characterized by a similar mechanism of action and a list of indications and contraindications for use. The difference between these funds lies only in the manufacturing companies and is insignificant in cost. There is no data that can confidently say that any of these drugs is more effective or safe.

Other imported analogues

In addition to the medicines described above, you can find many other imported drugs with similar effects in pharmacy windows.

How can I replace Amlodipine if my legs are swollen?

Some patients (about ten to fifteen percent) taking Amlodipine to treat hypertension experience a side effect such as swelling of the lower extremities. In this case, you need to select a substitute that will not lead to the development of such complications.

In such a situation, you can try replacing the medication with the following drugs:

1. Valsartan, Aprovel, Atacand (drugs that block type 2 receptors for angiotensin).
2. Moxinidine is an I1-imidazoline receptor antagonist that combats high blood pressure by blocking receptors in the central nervous system.
3. Lisinopril, Enalapril and other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. However, when taking these medications, another complication may occur in the form of a long, painful dry cough.

Table comparing drug analogues by cost. The last data update was 10/21/2019 00:00.

Norvasc is more effective than Amlodipine-teva - this means that the ability of the drug substance to provide the maximum possible effect is different.

For example, if the therapeutic effect of Norvasc is more pronounced, then it is impossible to achieve this effect with Amlodipine-teva even in large doses.

Also, the speed of therapy is an indicator of the speed of therapeutic action; Norvasc and Amlodipine-teva are also different, as is bioavailability - the amount of a drug substance reaching the site of its action in the body. The higher the bioavailability, the less it will be lost during absorption and use by the body.

Comparison of safety of Norvasc and Amlodipine-teva

The safety of a drug includes many factors.

At the same time, in Norvasc it is quite similar to Amlodipin-teva. It is important where the drug is metabolized: drugs are excreted from the body either unchanged or in the form of products of their biochemical transformations. Metabolism occurs spontaneously, but most often involves major organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, brain and others. When assessing metabolism in Norvasc, as well as in Amlodipine-teva, we look at which organ is the metabolizing organ and how critical the effect on it is.

The risk-benefit ratio is when the prescription of a drug is undesirable, but justified under certain conditions and circumstances, with the obligatory observance of caution in use. At the same time, Norvasc does not have any risks when used, just like Amlodipin-teva.

Also, when calculating safety, it is taken into account whether only allergic reactions occur or possible dysfunction of the main organs. In other matters, as well as the reversibility of the consequences of using Norvasc and Amlodipin-teva.

Comparison of contraindications of Norvasc and Amlodipin-teva

Based on the instructions. The number of contraindications for Norvasc is quite similar to Amlodipine and is a satisfactory number. This is a list of symptoms with syndromes, diseases, various external and internal conditions under which the use of Norvasc and Amlodipin-teva may be undesirable or unacceptable.

Comparison of addiction between Norvasc and Amlodipin-teva

Like safety, addiction also involves many factors that must be considered when evaluating a drug.

Thus, the totality of the values ​​of such parameters as “withdrawal syndrome” and “development of resistance” in Norvasc is quite similar to the similar values ​​in Amlodipin-teva. Withdrawal syndrome is a pathological condition that occurs after the cessation of intake of addictive or dependent substances into the body. And resistance is understood as initial immunity to a drug; in this it differs from addiction, when immunity to a drug develops over a certain period of time. The presence of resistance can only be stated if an attempt has been made to increase the dose of the drug to the maximum possible. At the same time, with Norvasc the values ​​of “withdrawal syndrome” and “resistance” are quite small, however, the same as with Amlodipin-teva.

Comparison of side effects of Norvasc and Amlodipine-teva

Side effects or adverse events are any adverse medical event that occurs in a subject after administration of a drug.

Norvasc has almost the same level of adverse events as Amlodipin-teva. They both have few side effects. This implies that the frequency of their occurrence is low, that is, the indicator of how many cases of an undesirable effect of treatment are possible and registered is low. The undesirable effect on the body, the strength of influence and the toxic effect of Norvasc are similar to Amlodipine: how quickly the body recovers after taking it and whether it recovers at all.

Comparison of ease of use of Norvasc and Amlodipine-teva

This includes dose selection taking into account various conditions and frequency of doses. At the same time, it is important not to forget about the release form of the drug; it is also important to take it into account when making an assessment.

The ease of use of Norvasc is approximately the same as that of Amlodipine. However, they are not convenient enough to use.

When treating high blood pressure, doctors often prescribe Norvasc or Amlodipine. These popular drugs have more similarities than differences. A detailed description of each of them will help you make the right choice.

Characteristics of Norvasc

Norvasc is used independently and as part of complex therapy for hypertension, stable and vasomotor angina.

The drug is not prescribed for the treatment of patients:

• with increased sensitivity to the main component;
• when blood pressure drops below 90 mm Hg. art.;
• with LVOT obstruction;
• hemodynamically unstable heart failure that occurred after myocardial infarction.

In addition, it cannot be used in the treatment of patients under 18 years of age.

Prescribe the drug with caution in the following cases:

• CHF of non-ischemic etiology;
• severe liver dysfunction;
• aortic stenosis;
• mitral valve stenosis;
• unstable angina;
• obstructive hypertrophic myocardiopathy;
• acute myocardial infarction;
• weak node syndrome, which regulates cardiac activity;
• arterial hypotension.

Some patients experience the following negative effects when taking Norvasc:

• increased heart rate;
• severe decrease in pressure;
• the occurrence of peripheral edema;
• heart rhythm disturbance.

Allergies, cramps, joint and headaches, discomfort in the digestive organs, increased fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, pancreatitis, hepatitis, rhinitis, shortness of breath, double vision and pain in the eyes may occur.

In case of an overdose, blood pressure sharply decreases in patients, and the number of contractions of the heart muscle may increase. When taking the medication in high doses, there is a risk of developing hypotonic shock and death.

To eliminate the negative consequences, the patient is prescribed energy sorbents and correct symptomatic treatment.

Action of Amlodipine

Amlodipine is available in tablet form and contains amlodipine besylate. The medicine also contains additional components: lactose, calcium stearate, solutab.

The drug is taken by people suffering from hypertension. It is also prescribed for such pathologies and ailments as:

• irregular, single surges in blood pressure;
• stable angina;
• vascular spasms.

The drug lowers blood pressure that is too high and improves cardiac function. If the patient’s heart beats faster and his blood pressure often rises, the remedy will bring his condition back to normal.

This medication contains substances that have a strong effect. Therefore, during the period of drug treatment, you should keep your body weight under control and have it checked by a dentist: the medication may contribute to weight gain or bleeding gums. However, it is not recommended to abruptly stop taking it. This can lead to new attacks of high blood pressure and increase the pulse.

Persons whose profession involves increased attention will not be able to combine work with therapy.

This medication causes a constant desire to sleep; You may feel dizzy. In patients with impaired liver function, these tablets are taken under constant medical supervision.

This drug is not prescribed for:

• pregnancy, because the main component has a negative effect on the development of the fetus;
• lactation period;
• diabetes mellitus;
• low blood pressure;
• under 18 years of age;
• lactase deficiency;
• allergic reaction to the components of the drug.

If a severe allergy to Amlodipine appears during treatment, drug therapy should be stopped immediately.

What is the difference and similarity between Norvasc and Amlodipine?

There are no particular differences in these medications, because both drugs have the same active substance – amlodipine. The mechanism of action is also the same.

Because they have the same active ingredient, both medications have the same effect on the patient’s body. However, Norvasc is more easily tolerated by patients over 65-70 years of age and causes fewer side effects. It is often prescribed in the complex treatment of heart diseases complicated by hypertension.

What is better to take – Norvasc or Amlodipine

The medications have virtually no differences, so only a doctor can choose the best medication in each individual case.

Which is cheaper?

The Russian analogue of the German Norvasc is 9 times cheaper. The minimum price for Amlodipine is 40 rubles, Norvasc is 350 rubles.

Is it possible to replace Norvasc with Amlodipine?

Medicines are interchangeable. However, before making a replacement, you should consult your doctor.

Doctors' opinion

Irina, 38 years old, gastroenterologist, Vladivostok

Norvasc is the best original amlodipine. It compensates blood pressure well when taken once for the whole day, maintains night-time blood pressure, and does not lead to hypotension. Well researched. It helps more effectively and is easier to tolerate than any generic amlodipine.

There are patients who have been taking only amlodipine for more than 5 years to treat arterial hypertension; The medicine perfectly compensates for blood pressure and has no side effects, so I can be sure that even such long-term therapy is safe and effective.

Inna, 47 years old, ultrasound doctor, Moscow

I try to adhere to individual selection of drugs for each patient. Elderly patients who have been practicing antihypertensive therapy for a long time often take Amlodipine. I would like to note the advantages of the drug: a single dose, the medicine is easy to dose, it has an affordable price.

Efficiency can be expressed in different ways, this is just about the question of individuality. Some patients experience side effects.

Valery, 42 years old, chiropractor, St. Petersburg

Amlodipine quickly and effectively reduces systolic blood pressure. Effective in the treatment of high blood pressure in the elderly. It normalizes well and maintains the result of lowering blood pressure for a long time. Well tolerated with long-term use. Sometimes causes swelling of the legs. I recommend it for long-term use in geriatric practice.

Patient reviews

Maria, 61 years old, Novosibirsk

I have suffered from hypertension for more than 20 years. Not all medications helped, so I self-medicated for a long time. When the readings on the tonometer were 200/120, I went to the hospital. The cardiologist prescribed Norvasc. I am satisfied with the medicine, because after 7 days of treatment my blood pressure dropped to 150/90. I continue to take the pills and feel better.

Alexander, 46 years old, Rostov-on-Don

With age, my wife’s blood pressure began to rise: the upper level – up to 140-150, the lower – up to 100. Headaches began to become more frequent. Periodically I lowered my blood pressure with various medications. He insisted that she see a doctor. After the examination, the doctor prescribed Amlodipine 5 mg tablets. I started taking 1 tablet before bed. In the morning the pressure was normal - 125/80, but in the evening it rose.

After taking the drug for two weeks, the pressure stabilized and the condition improved. I stopped having periodic chest pains. No swelling of the legs was observed. Now, for prevention, he takes half a tablet a day.

Ksenia, 43 years old, Ekaterinburg

According to many doctors, one of the most popular and effective medications for hypertension is Amlodipine, which belongs to the class of 3rd generation calcium antagonists. As a hypertensive and forgetful person by nature, I like that the drug needs to be taken once a day, regardless of meals. The benefits of Amlodipine also include the fact that its use can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by 12-30%. There are no side effects - swelling of the legs, dizziness, rash.

Prohibited during pregnancy

Allowed for kidney problems

When treating high blood pressure due to hypertension, doctors often use medications from the pharmacological group of calcium channel blockers. This group of drugs includes Amlodipine and Norvasc.

Today these are the drugs most popular for the treatment of hypertension, as well as many other heart pathologies. In this article we will look at the main characteristics of Norvasc and Amlodipine and figure out what is best to take for diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Review of Amlodipine and Norvasc

Amlodipine is a medication that is widely used in neurology and cardiology. There are several varieties of the drug, but they all have the same active ingredient - amlodipine. There is also a single release form for all types of medicine - this is the form of tablets.

Dosages of amlodipine tablets also vary. The medication can be used as a stand-alone drug for the treatment of hypertension, or in combination therapy with other antihypertensive medications.

Mechanisms of action of Amlodipine

The scope of use of the medicine depends on its actions:

• hypotensive effect (for hypertension);
• vasospastic effect (with unstable angina).

The drug Norvasc is one of the most effective antihypertensive drugs. This drug belongs to the latest generation of medications from the group of calcium antagonists. The drug has antihypertensive effects and has antianginal properties. This drug has an effect on lowering the blood pressure index, as well as reducing the symptoms of cardiac pathologies.

The active ingredient in the medication is amlodipine. The drug is available in tablet form with a dosage of the active substance – 5 mg, 10 mg.

Most often, Norvasc tablets are included in course therapy for hypertension or heart pathologies. In the treatment of secondary hypertension or essential hypertension, Norvasc is always used in combination with other drugs. The most common use of this drug is the treatment of unstable angina complicated by high blood pressure.

The effectiveness of complex treatment occurs much faster than with monotherapy - 5-7 days from the start of the drug course. The drug is often prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart disease in elderly patients. The medication does not cause unnecessary side effects in elderly patients and does not lose its therapeutic qualities.

The principle of action of the drugs

The main active ingredient in both medications is amlodipine. Also, additional ingredients in the tablets are the following substances: calcium stearate, lactose, povidone, starch and other components.

Entering the body orally, the main component acts on the cells of the muscle fibers of the arterial membranes, relaxing them and giving them greater elasticity. This effect leads to a decrease in the resistance of the peripheral parts of the blood flow system, which leads to a decrease in pressure.

As a result of this effect on the body, the drugs show the following results:

• increase renin activity;
• reduce total arterial resistance in the bloodstream;
• normalize the functionality of myocardial cells;
• reduce the risk of developing tachycardia and angina attacks.

Also, medications have proven themselves to be good antispasmodics, antianginal agents, as well as vasodilating medications, which, by expanding the walls of the arterial membranes, improve blood flow in the main and peripheral arteries of the system.

In patients with myocardial insufficiency, medications act as follows:

• reduce the blood filling pressure of the right and left ventricles of the heart organ;
• increase cardiac output;
• increase blood flow in the peripheral parts of the system.

These medications have a prolonged effect, which helps to gently reduce blood pressure without damaging the arterial membranes and nerve fibers.

Indications and contraindications

Medicines Norvasc and Amlodipine are prescribed only by the attending physician and are not intended for self-medication. Indications for the use of these drugs include the following pathologies:

• hypertonic disease;
• stable and unstable angina;
• tachycardia;
• vasospasms.

Before using a medicine in therapy, it is necessary to read the instructions for the drug in order to identify pathologies for which the use of the drug is contraindicated.

The main contraindications to the use of both drugs are:

• sensitivity to components;
• age under 18;
• pathology of left ventricular or atrium ejection;
• unstable hemodynamics in the heart after myocardial infarction;
• hypotension – pressure in the bloodstream is lower than 90.

During pregnancy, medications from the group of calcium antagonists are prescribed to women only when the therapeutic effect is much higher than the possible risk of harm to the fetus. If it is necessary to prescribe treatment during lactation, then it is necessary to transfer the child to artificial feeding with infant formula.

Instructions for use

The dosage of medications, as well as their regimen of use, is prescribed by the attending doctor in accordance with the indications of an instrumental examination of the heart and pressure index, as well as the presence of concomitant pathologies. The dosage regimen for the two drugs is the same:

The therapeutic course lasts 7 days, after which you need to visit your doctor, who, based on blood pressure readings, can extend the course of treatment to 1 month.

For stable hypertension with levels higher than 150/100, drugs are prescribed for a long period of use (from 3 to 6 months) or for life. The dosage depends on the blood pressure and can be 0.5 tablets twice a day, or 1-2 tablets twice a day.

For cardiac pathologies, Amlodipine and Norvasc are prescribed on an ongoing basis and are part of the complex treatment of heart disease.

Key differences and effectiveness

What is the difference between Amlodipine and Norvasc? There are no particular differences in these medications, because both drugs have the same active substance – amlodipine. Therefore, the mechanism of action is also the same.

The difference between the drugs is in cost. Norvasc is an American drug, so its cost is 2 times higher than its Russian counterpart. The price of the drug with a dosage of 5 mg for 14 tablets ranges from 260 to 300 rubles, with a dosage of 10 mg - from 350 to 420 rubles. Amlodipine costs from 40 to 120 rubles. The cost depends on the dosage and number of tablets in the package.

Since they have the same active ingredient, both medications have the same effectiveness on the patient’s body. However, Norvasc is more easily tolerated by patients over 65-70 years of age and causes fewer side effects. It is often prescribed in the complex treatment of heart diseases complicated by hypertension.

Side effects of these medications

If you take the medicine as prescribed by the doctor with the prescribed dosage and do not adjust the dose yourself, then the body’s adverse reactions to the amlodipine component will be minimal. Negative effects can also occur with an overdose or with a long course of therapy with large doses of the drug:

Systems and organs	Side effects
Blood circulation system and heart	a sharp decrease in blood pressure; dyspnea; increased heart rate; bradycardia; chest pain; heart rhythm disturbance; swelling in the limbs; disturbance of blood flow in the periphery - coldness of the extremities.
CNS	dizziness; tremor of the limbs; sleep quality disturbance; loss of consciousness; overwork; irritability; state of apathy.
Blood system	thrombocytopenia; rarely – leukopenia.
Metabolism	hyperglycemia.
The immune system	hypersensitivity and allergies; temperature increase.
Digestive tract	nausea and vomiting; dry mouth; diarrhea and constipation; pain in the intestines; gastritis.
Skin	skin itching and urticaria; redness of the skin.
Musculoskeletal system	leg cramps; muscle pain.
Urinary system and genital organs	impotence; pain when urinating.

Interaction with other medications and analogues

Calcium antagonists are safe to take in combination therapy with beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, and thiazide-based diuretics.

Combined use is permissible with ACE inhibitors, nitrate-based drugs (Nitroglycerin), as well as oral hypoglycemic medications. It is also allowed to take antibacterial agents and calcium antagonists in complex treatment.

When taking amlodipine-based tablets, it is not allowed to drink grapefruit juice or eat fruits. Such combined use may lead to enhanced hypotensive effects on the body.

When combined with statins at a maximum dosage of 80 mg, the concentration of statins increases by 70-80%. Therefore, if concomitant therapy is required, statins should be prescribed in a dosage of no more than 20 mg. It is allowed to take it together with Warfarin, as well as with cardiac glycosides (Digoxin).

Pharmaceutical companies offer a wide range of analogues based on the active component amlodipine. Analogues of this product are produced by both Russian and foreign manufacturers. The choice of the drug, as well as its analogue, can only be made by the attending physician. The main medications that are prescribed to replace Norvasc and Amlodipine are: