Atchol Gold 20 Capsule (15 Cap)

ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE

ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE by Aristo Pharmaceuticals Private Limited is a combination medication designed for cardiovascular health management.

Name

• Brand Name: ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE

Composition

Each capsule contains a combination of three active ingredients:

• Aspirin (75mg)
• Atorvastatin (20mg)
• Clopidogrel (75mg)

Uses

ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE is primarily used for the prevention of heart attack and stroke. It achieves this by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing blood clot formation. It is also prescribed for managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including conditions like recent myocardial infarction, recent stroke, transient ischemic attack, and established peripheral arterial disease. Additionally, it helps to manage angina (heart-related chest pain) and reduces elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Dosage and Administration

This medicine should be taken regularly as prescribed by your doctor, preferably at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may help avoid stomach upset. Do not chew, crush, or break the capsule; swallow it whole with water. Do not stop the medication without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Increased bleeding tendency, bruising, and nosebleeds
• Abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, constipation
• Headache, dizziness
• Muscle pain (myalgia), muscle cramps, or weakness
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include severe allergic reactions, muscle symptoms with fever or dark urine, yellowing of the skin, or abnormal heavy bleeding.

Precautions

• Bleeding Risk: ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE increases the risk of bleeding; exercise caution with sharp objects and inform your doctor before any surgery.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of liver damage and stomach bleeding.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is highly unsafe during pregnancy (Category X) and generally not recommended for breastfeeding women due to potential harm to the baby.
• Liver and Kidney Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.
• Other Conditions: Contraindicated in patients with active bleeding disorders (e.g., peptic ulcer, brain hemorrhage), severe liver or kidney disease, recent ischemic stroke, or gout.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially other anticoagulants, NSAIDs, SSRIs, and SNRIs, as interactions may occur.
• Lifestyle: Lifestyle changes, including a low-fat diet and regular exercise, can enhance the medication's effectiveness.
• Children and Elderly: Not recommended for children below 16 years. Elderly patients over 70 should use caution due to increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place, below 30°C (or between 10ºC to 25ºC), protected from moisture, sunlight, and heat. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

What is ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE used for?

ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE is a combination medicine primarily used for the prevention of heart attack and stroke. It is also prescribed to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, manage angina (chest pain), and treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including conditions like recent myocardial infarction, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease.

How does ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE work?

ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE contains three active ingredients: Aspirin, Clopidogrel, and Atorvastatin. Aspirin and Clopidogrel are antiplatelet medications (blood thinners) that work by preventing platelets from sticking together, thereby reducing the formation of harmful blood clots in the blood vessels. Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin) that blocks an enzyme in the body necessary for cholesterol production. It lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides and increases "good" cholesterol (HDL). Together, these components reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by preventing clots and improving cholesterol levels.

What is the usual dosage for ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE?

ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE is typically taken once a day with water, usually after food to avoid stomach upset. It is crucial to take this medicine regularly at the same time each day as prescribed by your doctor. The exact dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by your physician based on your health condition and response to the medication. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE?

Common side effects of ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE can include increased bleeding tendency (e.g., nosebleeds, bruising), abdominal pain, indigestion, headache, muscle pain (myalgia), dizziness, diarrhea, and nausea. Most of these side effects are usually mild and resolve over time. However, if bleeding persists, or if you experience unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe muscle pain/weakness, consult your doctor immediately.

Is ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE is considered highly unsafe to use during pregnancy and is not recommended. Atorvastatin, one of its components, is a pregnancy category X medicine and studies have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby. Women of child-bearing potential should use suitable contraceptive methods while taking this medication. During breastfeeding, ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE is probably unsafe and generally not recommended, as limited human data suggests the drug may pass into breast milk and potentially harm the infant. It's essential to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Can ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE be taken with other medications?

ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE can interact with several other medications, which may increase the risk of side effects or reduce its effectiveness. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking.

• Increased Bleeding Risk: Concomitant use with other anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), and certain antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) can enhance the risk of bleeding.
• Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines: Other cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate) may interact.
• Other Interactions: It may also interact with certain antibiotics, medicines used to manage HIV infection, and cyclosporine.
• Grapefruit Juice: Consuming grapefruit juice can increase the levels of atorvastatin in the blood, potentially enhancing side effects.

What precautions should be taken while taking ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE?

Several precautions should be observed when taking ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE:

• Bleeding Risk: Since this medicine increases the risk of bleeding, be careful with activities that may cause injury, such as shaving, cutting nails, or using sharp objects.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of liver damage, stomach bleeding, and interfere with cholesterol management.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver disease (especially active liver disease), diabetes, severe lung disease, musculoskeletal disorders, or active bleeding issues (like peptic ulcer or brain hemorrhage).
• Surgery: Always inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE before any scheduled surgery or dental procedures.
• Driving: The medicine may cause dizziness or blurry vision in some individuals, so caution is advised when driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Children and Elderly: It is not recommended for children below 16 years of age and should be used with caution in elderly patients due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Lifestyle: This medicine is part of a treatment program that should include a healthy low-fat diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction. Avoid smoking.

What happens if a dose of ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE is missed?

If you miss a dose of ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE, 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 the missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, as discontinuation may lead to cardiovascular events.

How should ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE be stored?

ATCHOL GOLD 20 CAPSULE should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. The recommended storage temperature is typically below 25°C or 30°C. Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children and pets.