Efnocar 20 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET

EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET is a medication manufactured by Zuventus Healthcare Ltd. primarily used for the management of high blood pressure and angina.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET
  • Common Name: Efonidipine Hydrochloride Ethanolate

• Composition:

  • Each film-coated tablet contains Efonidipine Hydrochloride Ethanolate equivalent to Efonidipine 20 mg. Excipients q.s.

• Uses: EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET is prescribed for:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension), including essential hypertension and hypertension caused by kidney disease.
  • Angina (chest pain) which occurs due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. EFNOCAR helps by improving blood supply and oxygen to the heart muscle.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • The typical adult dosage for essential hypertension and renal parenchymal hypertension is 20-40 mg orally once daily. A dose of up to 80 mg/day has been reported to be safe and effective in clinical trials. For angina, the usual dose is 40 mg/day.
  • It should be swallowed with a glass of water at the same time each day.
  • The tablets can be taken after meals or with or without food, but it is best to take them at a fixed time for optimal results.
  • Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
  • It is not recommended for infants and children as safety has not been established in this group. For elderly patients, Efonidipine should be started at a low dose (20mg/day) with careful monitoring for hypotension.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, hot flushes, palpitations (feeling of heartbeat), facial flushing, fatigue, nausea, and peripheral oedema (swelling in ankles or feet).
  • Serious Side Effects (rarely seen): Liver problems (e.g., yellowing of skin, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite), pancreatitis (severe stomach pain), and recurrent chest pain (possibly indicating a heart attack).

• Precautions:

  • Allergy: Do not take if allergic to Efonidipine or any other ingredients.
  • Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, recent heart attack, heart failure, or severe increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis).
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: EFNOCAR is generally not recommended during pregnancy or for breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor.
  • Driving and Operating Machinery: Dizziness may occur, so avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • Alcohol: Caution is advised as alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase dizziness.
  • Drug Interactions: EFNOCAR may interact with other antihypertensive drugs (e.g., amlodipine, lisinopril, ramipril, diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide, beta-blockers like metoprolol or propranolol), cimetidine, and tacrolimus, potentially leading to increased or decreased effects.
  • Food Interactions: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it can increase the blood level of efonidipine, enhancing its blood pressure-lowering effect.
  • Overdose: Symptoms of overdose may include flushing, dizziness, and/or fainting. Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

• Storage:

  • Store below 25°C or 30°C.
  • Protect from light and moisture.
  • Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET is a medication primarily used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and a type of chest pain known as angina. It contains efonidipine, which belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers.

Here are some frequently asked questions about EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET:

What is EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET used for?

EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), including high blood pressure caused by kidney disease. It is also prescribed to manage angina, a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen due to reduced blood flow.

How does EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET work?

EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET contains efonidipine, a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, which allows blood to flow through them more easily, thereby reducing blood pressure. For angina, it improves the blood supply to the heart muscle, ensuring it receives more oxygen and thus preventing chest pain.

What is the usual dosage for EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET?

For essential hypertension and hypertension caused by kidney disease, the typical dosage is 20-40 mg taken orally once daily. For angina, a dosage of 40 mg/day is common. It is usually recommended to start with a lower dose of 20 mg/day, especially for elderly patients. EFNOCAR should be taken with a glass of water at the same time each day, preferably after meals.

What are the possible side effects of EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET?

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, facial flushing, hot flushes, and palpitations (a sensation of a rapid or irregular heartbeat). Other potential side effects include nausea, fatigue, and swelling in the ankles or feet (peripheral oedema). Rarely, more serious side effects like liver problems, pancreatitis, or recurrent chest pain that might indicate a heart attack can occur.

Is EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET is not recommended during pregnancy as its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. It should not be administered to pregnant women. Similarly, it is not recommended for use during breastfeeding, as it is unknown whether efonidipine passes into breast milk.

Can EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET can interact with other medications. It may enhance the effect of other blood pressure-lowering drugs, leading to a further decrease in blood pressure. Medications like cimetidine (for stomach acid) and tacrolimus (an immunosuppressant) can increase the blood levels of efonidipine or tacrolimus, respectively, when taken concurrently. It can also interact with diuretics and beta-blockers, potentially increasing its blood pressure-lowering effects. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET?

It is important to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking EFNOCAR, as this can increase the levels of efonidipine in your blood and lead to an unpredictable drop in blood pressure. Alcohol should also be used with caution as it can further lower blood pressure and increase dizziness. Since this medication can cause dizziness, you should avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you understand how it affects you. Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a recent heart attack, heart failure, or a severe increase in blood pressure. EFNOCAR is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

What happens if a dose of EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET, 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 EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET be stored?

EFNOCAR 20 MG TABLET should be stored below 25°C or 30°C. It should be kept in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Always ensure the medication is kept out of reach of children and pets.