Calchek 5 Tab

CALCHEK 5 TAB

CALCHEK 5 TAB, manufactured by IPCA LABORATORIES LTD, is a medication primarily used to manage cardiovascular conditions.

• Name

  • Brand Name: CALCHEK 5 TAB
  • Common Name: Amlodipine Tablets 5 mg

• Composition

  • Active Ingredient: Amlodipine 5 mg
  • Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing the heart's workload. It also improves blood flow to the heart muscle, helping to alleviate chest pain.

• Uses CALCHEK 5 TAB is prescribed for the following medical conditions:

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It helps to normalize blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.
  • Angina (Heart-related Chest Pain): This includes chronic stable angina and vasospastic (Prinzmetal's or variant) angina, by improving blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
  • Coronary Artery Disease: In patients without heart failure or an ejection fraction < 40%.

• Dosage and Administration

  • Typical Dosage: The usual dose for adults is 5 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 10 mg once daily.
  • Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, with or without food. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
  • Consistency: It is best to take the medicine at about the same time each day to maintain consistency.
  • Special Populations:
    • Elderly and Patients with Hepatic Insufficiency: May be started on a lower dose of 2.5 mg once daily, and dosage increases should be done with care.
    • Children (6 to 17 years): A starting dose of 2.5 mg once daily, which can be increased to 5 mg once daily if blood pressure goals are not met after 4 weeks. Doses above 5 mg daily have not been studied in pediatric patients.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can worsen your condition.

• Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Headache, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, sleepiness, dizziness, swelling of ankles or feet, flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), and palpitations.
  • Serious Side Effects (rare): Liver problems (yellowing of skin, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite), pancreatitis (severe stomach pain), and recurrent chest pain (which may indicate a heart attack).

• Precautions

  • Allergies: Do not take if allergic to amlodipine or any other tablet ingredients.
  • Liver Disease: Use with caution and may require dosage adjustment due to reduced metabolism rate.
  • Heart Disease: Patients with heart disease or severe obstructive coronary artery disease should be cautious as it can affect heart function.
  • Low Blood Pressure: Use with caution in patients with low blood pressure.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Alcohol: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol, as it may cause unpleasant side effects like lowering blood pressure.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can cause side effects.
  • Driving: May cause dizziness, headaches, or tiredness, which could affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and pre-existing conditions. Co-administration with Tizanidine can increase the risk of low blood pressure. Itraconazole may increase the concentration of Amlodipine.

• Storage

  • Store in a cool, dry place, ideally below 25°C or below 30°C.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
  • Ensure it is out of reach of children and pets.
  • Always check the expiry date before use.

What is CALCHEK 5 TAB used for?

CALCHEK 5 TAB is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent or relieve chest pain (angina), including chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina. By managing these conditions, it helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How does CALCHEK 5 TAB work?

CALCHEK 5 TAB contains Amlodipine (5 mg), which is a calcium channel blocker. It works by preventing calcium ions from entering the cells of blood vessel walls and heart muscle. This action causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, making it easier for blood to flow and lowering blood pressure. It also reduces the workload on the heart and improves blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle, thereby preventing or reducing angina episodes.

What is the usual dosage of CALCHEK 5 TAB?

The usual dose is 5 mg once daily, as advised by your doctor. The maximum recommended dose is 10 mg once daily. It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistency. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed or chewed.

What are the possible side effects of CALCHEK 5 TAB?

Common side effects may include headache, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, sleepiness, dizziness, and swelling of the ankles or feet. These side effects are usually temporary and often resolve with continued use. Rarely, more serious side effects like liver problems (yellowing of skin, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite) or pancreatitis (severe stomach pain) can occur. If you experience any persistent or severe side effects, consult your doctor.

Is CALCHEK 5 TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, CALCHEK 5 TAB is generally not recommended unless clearly necessary and only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. For breastfeeding mothers, amlodipine (the active ingredient) may pass into breast milk. While it's often considered safe if prescribed, it's crucial to consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can CALCHEK 5 TAB be taken with other medications?

CALCHEK 5 TAB can interact with certain medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking. For example, some medications like CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., diltiazem, ritonavir, clarithromycin, itraconazole) can increase the levels of amlodipine in your body, potentially leading to adverse effects. Similarly, it may increase the levels of statins like simvastatin, requiring dosage adjustments. Other drugs like sildenafil, immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine), and certain antibiotics also require caution and monitoring when taken with CALCHEK 5 TAB.

What precautions should be taken while taking CALCHEK 5 TAB?

Precautions include avoiding CALCHEK 5 TAB if you have a known allergy to amlodipine or any of its ingredients. Exercise caution if you have liver or heart conditions, especially severe obstructive coronary artery disease or very low blood pressure. It is advisable to avoid grapefruit juice and grapefruit as they can increase amlodipine levels and cause a drop in blood pressure. Alcohol consumption should also be limited as it can further lower blood pressure and enhance side effects like dizziness. Due to potential dizziness or tiredness, be cautious when driving or operating machinery, particularly at the beginning of treatment. Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can worsen your condition.

What happens if a dose of CALCHEK 5 TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of CALCHEK 5 TAB, 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 compensate for the missed one, as this can lead to an increase in side effects. Missing a dose can also lead to a temporary rise in blood pressure.

How should CALCHEK 5 TAB be stored?

CALCHEK 5 TAB should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally below 25°C or below 30°C. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Always ensure the medicine is kept out of reach of children and pets, and remember to check the expiry date before use.