Katerzia (Amlodipine)

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.

Cautions

Symptomatic hypotension is possible, particularly in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Because of the gradual onset of action, acute hypotension is unlikely. Worsening angina and acute myocardial infarction can develop after starting or increasing the dose of KATERZIA, particularly in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease. Because KATERZIA is extensively metabolized by the liver, and the plasma elimination half-life is 56 hours in patients with impaired hepatic function, titrate slowly when administering KATERZIA to patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Side Effects

See Full Prescribing Information for additional Adverse Reactions (6). The most common dose-related adverse reaction to amlodipine is edema. Incidents of dose-related dizziness, flushing, and palpitation also have been observed. For several reported adverse experiences that appear to be drug and dose related (edema, flushing, palpitations), there was a greater incidence in women than in men associated with amlodipine treatment. Other adverse experiences not dose-related but reported are fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and somnolence.