Hevasc (Amlodipine) 5 mg Tablets: What You Need to Know
Hevasc is a brand of amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain (angina). This informational article covers its uses, typical dosing, side effects, and precautions based on official drug information.
- Generic: Amlodipine
- Strength: 5 mg
- Form: Tablet
- NAFDAC No.: B4-9336
What it is
Hevasc is a brand of amlodipine, which belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers. It helps relax blood vessels so blood flows more easily, lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart.
What it's used for
Amlodipine, the active ingredient in Hevasc, is prescribed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. Lowering blood pressure helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. It is also used to treat chronic stable angina (chest pain from narrowed heart arteries), vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal’s angina), and coronary artery disease in patients who do not have heart failure or a very low ejection fraction.
How it's taken
Hevasc 5 mg tablets are typically taken by mouth once daily. The usual starting dose for adults is 5 mg, and it may be increased to a maximum of 10 mg daily. Smaller, fragile, or elderly patients, or those with liver problems, may start at a lower dose (2.5 mg). For children, the starting dose is usually 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily. Always follow your doctor’s prescription – do not change your dose without medical advice.
Common side effects
The most common side effects of amlodipine are swelling in the legs or ankles (oedema), dizziness, flushing (redness and warmth of the face), and palpitations (feeling your heart beat fast or unevenly). These side effects tend to increase with higher doses. Other side effects that occur in more than 1% of patients include tiredness (fatigue) and nausea.
Important cautions
Hevasc should not be taken if you are allergic to amlodipine. Caution is needed in patients with severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the heart valve) because low blood pressure may occur. In people with severe obstructive coronary artery disease, starting treatment or increasing the dose can rarely worsen angina or trigger a heart attack. If you have severe liver disease, your doctor will start you on a lower dose and increase it slowly. Always tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medicines.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hevasc used for?
Hevasc (amlodipine) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of chest pain (angina). It helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
What are the side effects of Hevasc?
The most common side effects include swelling of the legs or ankles, dizziness, facial flushing, and palpitations. Fatigue and nausea may also occur. Most side effects are mild and tend to improve over time.
Is Hevasc available in Nigeria?
Hevasc is registered with NAFDAC (registration number B4-9336) as a 5 mg tablet. While it is approved for use in Nigeria, it is not currently listed on Drugstore.ng. You can request it through our platform and we will help source it from partner pharmacies.
What is the generic name of Hevasc?
Hevasc contains the active ingredient amlodipine, which is a calcium channel blocker. The generic name of the medicine is amlodipine.
Can children take Hevasc?
Yes, Hevasc (amlodipine) may be used in children aged 6 years and older to treat high blood pressure. The typical starting dose in children is 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily. Always follow your child’s doctor for the correct dose.
This information is for general guidance only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician or pharmacist before using any medication.