Amlosafe Ls 5/5

AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 Tablet

Name

Brand Name: AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 Common Name: Amlodipine and Lisinopril

Composition

Each tablet contains a combination of two active ingredients:

• Amlodipine (5 mg)
• Lisinopril (5 mg)

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, and Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.

Uses

AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 Tablet is primarily used for the management of hypertension (high blood pressure). This combination medicine is prescribed when blood pressure is not adequately controlled by a single medication. By lowering high blood pressure, it helps to reduce the risk of future heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. It may also be used to treat certain types of angina (chest pain) and improve heart function in individuals with heart failure.

Dosage and Administration

AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 Tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dosage is one tablet once daily. It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day for optimal results. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, break, or chew it. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Cough
• Ankle swelling (Oedema)
• Tiredness/Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Palpitations
• Increased potassium level in blood
• Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk)

If any of these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 Tablet should be avoided during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Limited safety data is available for breastfeeding mothers; therefore, consult your doctor before use.
• Driving and Alcohol: This medicine may cause dizziness, headache, or tiredness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel unwell or are not alert. While there is no known interaction with alcohol for this combination medicine, excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, so caution is advised.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, heart problems (including cardiogenic shock), low blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of allergic reactions like angioedema.
• Interactions: Avoid taking this medicine with grapefruit juice as it may enhance its blood pressure-lowering effect. Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, especially other blood pressure-lowering medicines, water pills, NSAIDs, potassium supplements, or anti-diabetic medicines.

Storage

Store AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 Tablet in a cool and dry place, below 25°C, and out of the sight and reach of children.

AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 is a combination medication containing Amlodipine (5mg) and Lisinopril (5mg). It is primarily used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension).

What is AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 used for?

AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 is prescribed for the management of hypertension (high blood pressure), especially when blood pressure is not adequately controlled by either amlodipine or lisinopril alone. It helps lower high blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of future heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. It can also be used to manage certain types of angina (chest pain) and heart failure, and protect kidney function in patients with hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus.

How does AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 work?

This medicine combines two active ingredients: Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, and Lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Amlodipine works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. It also enhances blood supply to the heart muscle, helping to prevent chest pain. Lisinopril further lowers blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels and decreasing the body's production of certain substances that constrict blood vessels. This combined action makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and reduces strain on the heart.

What is the usual dosage for AMLOSAFE LS 5/5?

The daily dose of AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, who will determine it based on your medical condition and response to the medicine. Typically, it is taken as one tablet once daily. It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day for consistency. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it.

What are the possible side effects of AMLOSAFE LS 5/5?

Common side effects may include headache, ankle swelling (oedema), fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, drowsiness (somnolence), cough, dizziness, diarrhoea, palpitations, increased potassium levels in the blood, taste changes, flushing, decreased blood pressure, upset stomach, blurred vision, sweating, and confusion. Most of these side effects are temporary and usually resolve over time. However, if any symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor. Dizziness or tiredness may occur, which could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Is AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor immediately. Breastfeeding while taking AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 is also not advised as amlodipine, one of its components, may pass into breast milk. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding.

Can AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 be taken with other medications?

AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 can interact with several other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are currently taking. Interactions can occur with:

• Antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) which may increase amlodipine levels.
• Antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin) which might decrease amlodipine levels.
• Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone), which can lead to dangerously high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalaemia).
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Aliskiren (another blood pressure medicine), which should be avoided due to increased risk of serious side effects.
• Grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of amlodipine, potentially causing an excessive drop in blood pressure.
• Alcohol may increase certain side effects and should be avoided.

What precautions should be taken while using AMLOSAFE LS 5/5?

Before taking AMLOSAFE LS 5/5, inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, heart failure, low blood pressure, severe aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or if you are taking diuretics. Regular monitoring of your blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolyte levels (especially potassium) will be necessary during treatment. Avoid potassium-rich foods or supplements unless specifically advised by your doctor. Be cautious when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position, as this medicine can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can worsen your condition. If you are over 70 years old, consult your doctor before starting this medicine.

What happens if a dose of AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 is missed?

If you forget to take a dose of AMLOSAFE LS 5/5, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 be stored?

Store AMLOSAFE LS 5/5 in a cool and dry place, below 25°C. Protect it from light and keep it out of the sight and reach of children.