NORVASC® is the besylate salt of amlodipine, a long-acting
calcium channel blocker.
Amlodipine besylate is chemically described as 3-Ethyl-5-methyl (±)-2-[(2-aminoethoxy)methyl]-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate,
monobenzenesulphonate. Its empirical formula is C20H25CIN2O5•C6H
6O3S, and its structural formula
is:
Amlodipine besylate is a white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 567.1.
It is slightly soluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol. NORVASC (amlodipine
besylate) tablets are formulated as white tablets equivalent to 2.5, 5 and 10 mg
of amlodipine for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient, amlodipine
besylate, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline
cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, sodium starch glycolate, and magnesium
stearate.