Amlodipine+valsartan
About Amlodipine+valsartan
Amlodipine+valsartan belongs to the class of 'anti-hypertensive drugs' used to treat essential hypertension (high blood pressure) that is not adequately controlled on either amlodipine or valsartan taken alone. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against the artery wall is high. As a result, it leads to heart disease, irregular heartbeat, and other complications. Essential means that hypertension has no obvious cause.
Amlodipine+valsartan contains Amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) and Valsartan (angiotensin receptor blocker). Together, amlodipine and valsartan effectively relax and widen the blood vessels. This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
Amlodipine+valsartan should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, you may experience Feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea, headaches, flushing, feeling tired, feeling dizzy, pain in your joints or muscles, and swollen ankles. Most of these side effects of Amlodipine+valsartan do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids while taking Amlodipine+valsartan.
Before taking the Amlodipine+valsartan, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Even if you feel better, do not stop taking your medication. Amlodipine+valsartan should not be used in pregnant or lactating women and the paediatric population. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Amlodipine+valsartan
Medicinal Benefits
Amlodipine+valsartan contains Amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) and Valsartan (angiotensin receptor blocker). Together, Amlodipine and Valsartan effectively relax and widen your blood vessels. This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. It further helps to reduce the occurrence of heart attack or stroke.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Amlodipine+valsartan
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Feeling tired
- Feeling dizzy
- Pain in your joints or muscles
- Swollen ankles
Drug Warnings
Amlodipine+valsartan is not advised for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is recommended not to take if you are allergic to any component present in Amlodipine+valsartan, has severe liver problems or bile problems such as biliary cirrhosis or cholestasis, or extremely low blood pressure (hypotension), have narrowing of the aortic valve (aortic stenosis) or cardiogenic shock (a condition where your heart is unable to supply enough blood to the body). It is also recommended not to be used if you suffer from heart failure after a heart attack, have diabetes or impaired kidney function, and are treated with a blood pressure lowering medicine containing aliskiren.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Amlodipine+valsartan may interact with high blood pressure lowering pills (aliskiren, metoprolol, ramipril, hydrochlorothiazide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Amlodipine+valsartan may interact with grapefruit, grapefruit juices, and St. John’s wort (a plant used to treat depression). Hence, it should not be taken with Amlodipine+valsartan.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Amlodipine+valsartan may interact with various disease conditions, including diabetics, angioedema, cardiogenic shock (when the heart fails to pump required blood to the body), ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, heart valve problems (stenosis), low blood pressure (hypotension), heart failure, liver or kidney diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDo not consume alcohol along with Amlodipine+valsartan to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeAmlodipine+valsartan is not recommended in pregnancy. This is because Valsartan can reduce the amount of amniotic fluid, especially if taken in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAmlodipine+valsartan is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
cautionDriving after taking Amlodipine+valsartan is not recommended as it may occasionally cause tiredness or dizziness.
Liver
cautionAmlodipine+valsartan to be taken with caution, especially if you have a liver disease. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
consult your doctorInform your doctor before taking the Amlodipine+valsartan if you have a history of kidney disease. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. In case of moderate kidney impairment, potassium level monitoring is advisable.
Children
unsafeUse of Amlodipine+valsartan in children under 12 years of age is not recommended as the safety and efficacy of Amlodipine+valsartan in these age groups have not yet been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Consume antioxidant-rich food. Blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, squash, and bell peppers are highly antioxidants.
- Eat natural diuretic foods. Asparagus, beets, green beans, grapes, onion, leafy greens, pineapple, leeks, pumpkin, and garlic are all-natural diuretic foods.
- Use healthy cooking oils like soybean, olive, canola, and coconut oil.
- You should avoid refined foods such as white bread, spaghetti, sugar, and red meat.
- Reduce or eliminate Trans fatty acids, which are found in commercially baked items such as cookies, cakes, crackers, French fries, onion rings, doughnuts, and processed foods.
- Avoid the consumption of too much salt or salty food.
- Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Regular physical activity or exercise like walking improves your blood flow.
- When possible, elevate your legs or the swollen area on a chair or pillows.
- Avoid standing or sitting for extended periods.
- Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure.
- Spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption is the best strategy to lower the risk of many health complications.
Special Advise
It is important to use contraception if you're taking valsartan and carefully plan any pregnancy with your doctor or specialist. They will review your medical condition and medicine before you get pregnant.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Blood pressure: It is the measurement of the force that our heart uses to pump blood to all parts of the body. Hypertension is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). High blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor. Systolic pressure is the pressure with which the heart pumps blood. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is when your heart is resting between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg, and diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
FAQs
Amlodipine+valsartan is used to treat Hypertension (high blood pressure).
Amlodipine+valsartan contains Amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) and Valsartan (angiotensin receptor blocker). Together, amlodipine and valsartan effectively relax and widen your blood vessels. This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
You are not recommended to stop using Amlodipine+valsartan without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Amlodipine+valsartan for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Amlodipine+valsartan, please consult your doctor.
If you have missed a dose of Amlodipine+valsartan, you are advised to take it as soon as you remember. However, try not to miss a dose in the first place; if it's time for you to take your next dose, then do not take both doses together. Take only one dose; taking a double dose of Amlodipine+valsartan will lead to low blood pressure.
Inform your doctor and monitor your blood pressure for at least two weeks before stopping the medicine. Depending upon your current blood pressure readings, there is a possibility your doctor may lower your medicine dosage and not recommend discontinuing it.
Amlodipine+valsartan is restricted in people with known allergies to any of this medicine's components. It should be used with caution in people with liver impairment. It should also be avoided in women's second and third trimesters of their pregnancy.
Amlodipine+valsartan can be safely taken as long as your doctor prescribes it. High blood pressure is life-long, and one should not abruptly discontinue it without discussing it with a doctor.
Yes, Amlodipine+valsartan contains amlodipine, which is known to cause ankle swelling upon long-term use. Please try to keep your feet up when sitting for long hours. If the problem persists still, consult your doctor and do as advised.
Before taking Amlodipine+valsartan, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you are using. Let the doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss with the doctor if you have low blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver problems.
Amlodipine+valsartan can be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Swallow it as a whole with water.
Take Amlodipine+valsartan as advised by the doctor. To help you remember to take Amlodipine+valsartan, take it at around the same time daily.
Amlodipine+valsartan starts working immediately and you may notice its effects in a few weeks. Continue taking Amlodipine+valsartan for the prescribed duration for full benefits.
Amlodipine+valsartan may cause kidney damage in some cases. Consult the doctor if you notice signs of kidney damage such as swelling in feet, legs or ankles, unusual tiredness or weakness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, seizures, confusion, and reduced need to pee. Let the doctor know if you have kidney problems, have had a kidney transplant, have narrowing of kidney arteries, or have diabetes-related kidney problems.
Amlodipine+valsartan should not be given to people who are allergic to any of its components. It is also recommended if you have severe liver problems, bile problems such as biliary cirrhosis or cholestasis, severe low blood pressure, aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), or cardiogenic shock (a condition in which the heart is unable to supply enough blood to the body).
Amlodipine+valsartan is not known to cause weight gain. If you notice any changes in weight, consult the doctor.
Amlodipine+valsartan should be taken for as long as it has been prescribed by the doctor. The doctor will determine the duration of the treatment based on your condition.
Amlodipine+valsartan should not be taken during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. It is not recommended during breastfeeding as the medicine may pass into breast milk. Avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on treatment with Amlodipine+valsartan.
Amlodipine+valsartan may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, flushing, feeling tired, feeling dizzy, pain in your joints or muscles, and swollen ankles. Most of these side effects of Amlodipine+valsartan do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids while taking Amlodipine+valsartan.
