Azovas 16

AZOVAS 16 Tablet

AZOVAS 16 Tablet, manufactured by J B CHEMICALS AND PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, is a medication primarily used for the management of high blood pressure.

• Name:
  • Brand Name: AZOVAS 16
  • Common Name: Azelnidipine Tablet
• Composition:
  • Each uncoated tablet contains Azelnidipine IP 16 mg.
• Uses:
  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): AZOVAS 16 is chiefly prescribed for treating high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
  • Prevention of Cardiovascular Problems: By controlling blood pressure, it helps in preventing serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.
  • Angina: It is also used to treat angina, which is heart-related chest pain.
• Dosage and Administration:
  • Adults: The usual dose for adults is 8 mg to 16 mg of Azelnidipine, administered orally once daily, preferably after breakfast.
  • Treatment should begin with a low dose (e.g., 8 mg), and the dosage can be adjusted up to 16 mg per day based on the individual's response and symptoms.
  • The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and can be taken with or without food.
  • Consistency is key; it is best to take it at the same time each day to maintain stable medicine levels in the body.
  • Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting a doctor, even if feeling well, as hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms.
  • Children: The use of AZOVAS 16 in children is not established and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Side Effects:
  • Common Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and peripheral oedema (swelling in the ankles, feet, and hands). Other common side effects may include itching, drowsiness, constipation, abdominal pains, and frequent urination.
  • Serious Side Effects (Rare): Liver problems (yellowing of skin, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite), pancreatitis (severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting), and recurrent chest pain, which may indicate a heart attack.
• Precautions:
  • Pregnancy: Caution is advised during pregnancy. It is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary, and a doctor should be consulted.
  • Breastfeeding: The safety of AZOVAS 16 during breastfeeding is not established; consult a doctor.
  • Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure and adverse effects like dizziness or fainting.
  • Liver/Kidney Problems: Administer with caution in patients with serious liver and kidney dysfunction.
  • Driving and Operating Machinery: AZOVAS 16 may cause dizziness or fatigue, which could impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it can increase the drug's blood concentration and enhance hypotensive effects.
  • Abrupt Cessation: Do not stop taking the medication abruptly without a physician's supervision, as it may lead to changes in blood pressure or worsening of the condition.
• Storage:
  • Store below 25°C or 30°C.
  • Protect from direct light and moisture.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about AZOVAS 16 by J B CHEMICALS AND PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, along with concise answers:

What is AZOVAS 16 used for?

AZOVAS 16 is primarily used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). By controlling blood pressure, it helps in preventing cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes, and reduces the workload on the heart.

How does AZOVAS 16 work?

AZOVAS 16 contains Azelnidipine, which is a calcium channel blocker. It works by blocking L-type calcium channels found in the smooth muscles of your blood vessels. This action prevents calcium from entering these cells, causing the blood vessels to relax and widen. This relaxation leads to decreased resistance to blood flow, thereby reducing the heart's workload and lowering blood pressure.

What is the usual dosage of AZOVAS 16?

For adults, the typical starting dose of AZOVAS 16 is 8 mg once daily, taken orally after breakfast. The dose can be adjusted by a doctor based on individual response and tolerability, up to a maximum of 16 mg per day.

What are the possible side effects of AZOVAS 16?

Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and peripheral edema (swelling in the lower parts of the body such as ankles, feet, and hands). Serious, though rarely seen, side effects can include liver problems, pancreatitis, and recurrent chest pain.

Is AZOVAS 16 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

AZOVAS 16 is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, and caution is advised. All risks and benefits should be discussed with a doctor. For breastfeeding mothers, the safety of AZOVAS 16 is not established, and it's recommended to either discontinue the medicine or stop breastfeeding.

Can AZOVAS 16 be taken with other medications?

AZOVAS 16 can interact with other medications. Taking it with other antihypertensive medications might lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure. Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, may increase the blood levels of azelnidipine, while anticonvulsants like phenytoin could reduce its effectiveness. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while using AZOVAS 16?

Caution is advised for patients with severe liver impairment, severe aortic stenosis, and kidney problems. Alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure and adverse effects. AZOVAS 16 may cause dizziness or fatigue, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. It is contraindicated if you have a known hypersensitivity to azelnidipine or any of its ingredients and is not recommended for children. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided as they can interfere with the metabolism of azelnidipine. Older patients should take this medicine under medical supervision due to a higher susceptibility to side effects.

What happens if a dose of AZOVAS 16 is missed?

If you miss a dose of AZOVAS 16, 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.

How should AZOVAS 16 be stored?

AZOVAS 16 should be stored below 25°C or at room temperature. Keep the medicine in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture, and out of sight and reach of children. Always check the expiry date before using the tablet.