Forticard 5mg/50mg Tablet belongs to the group of medications called ‘antihypertensives’ used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure is a chronic (long-term) condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently in higher than normal levels. If left untreated, this condition can increase the risk of heart-related diseases like heart attack, heart failure, stroke, irregular heartbeat and other complications.

Forticard 5mg/50mg Tablet contains Ramipril and Losartan. Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and works by lowering the body’s production of substances that could narrow the blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Losartan is an angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) that narrows the blood vessels increasing the blood pressure, therefore blocking angiotensin can result in the widening of the narrowed blood vessels. Together, Forticard 5mg/50mg Tablet allows the blood to flow more smoothly in the blood vessels.

You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Forticard 5mg/50mg Tablet may cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure), especially when you stand or sit up quickly, dry cough, weakness, stomach pain, diarrhea, indigestion, feeling or being sick, skin rash, chest pain, muscle cramps, hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels in the blood), and hypoglycemia (decreased glucose levels in the blood). If any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.

It is not recommended to take Forticard 5mg/50mg Tablet if you are allergic to any contents of it, have severe liver impairment, have angioedema (serious allergic reaction), having dialysis treatment, have renal artery stenosis (a kidney problem in which blood supply to the kidney is reduced), and have severe hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure). It is also not recommended for use in children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. The dose may have to be adjusted in elderly people. It is not advised to consume alcohol as it can increase dizziness. Forticard 5mg/50mg Tablet may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.

Forticard 5mg/50mg Tablet is used in the treatment of hypertension. It works by lowering the body’s production of substances that could increase blood pressure and also widens narrowed blood vessels. It allows the blood to flow more smoothly in the blood vessels. It can reduce the risk of heart failure, stroke and delay worsening of kidney problems. It can also be given as a treatment for chronic heart failure. 

• Dizziness
• Hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure), especially when you stand or sit up quickly
• Dry cough
• Weakness
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Feeling or being sick
• Skin rash
• Chest pain
• Muscle cramps
• Hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels in the blood)
• Hypoglycemia (decreased glucose levels in the blood)

Before taking Forticard 5mg/50mg Tablet, inform your doctor if you have heart, kidney or liver problems. Forticard 5mg/50mg Tablet may sometimes cause a decrease in blood pressure than normal, especially in dehydrated people are taking diuretics (medicines to treat edema) and have low levels of sodium. Regularly check your blood pressure levels to avoid any risk. Forticard 5mg/50mg Tablet should also be used with caution in patients who are taking treatment for allergy, have hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), have adrenal gland problems and have systemic lupus erythematosus (a skin disease).

• Keep your weight under control with a body mass index (BMI) of 19.5-24.9.
• Do regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week or about 30 minutes most days of the week. Doing this can help you to lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm of Hg.
• Limit intake of sodium chloride (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
• Limit alcohol intake. One serving for women and two servings for men is advisable.
• Quit smoking as it is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
• Avoid chronic stress as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spent time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
• Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
• Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids containing food and drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.