Amlopin 10 Tablet (10 Tab)

Amlopin 10 Tablet is a medication manufactured by USV LTD, primarily used in the management of cardiovascular conditions.

Name

• Brand Name: Amlopin 10 Tablet
• Common Name: Amlodipine

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Amlodipine Besilate 10 mg

Uses

Amlopin 10 Tablet is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels, improving blood flow, and reducing the heart's workload. It is prescribed for the following medical conditions:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It helps lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.
• Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain): It is effective in treating chronic stable angina, vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal's or variant angina), and helps to relieve chest pain by increasing blood flow to the heart and reducing the frequency and severity of episodes.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults: The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 10 mg once daily.
• Elderly and Patients with Hepatic Insufficiency: May be started on a lower dose of 2.5 mg once daily.
• Children (6-17 years with hypertension): A starting dose of 2.5 mg once daily, which can be titrated up to 5 mg once daily if the blood pressure goal is not achieved after 4 weeks. Doses exceeding 5 mg daily have not been studied in pediatric patients.
• Amlopin 10 Tablet can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day with a glass of water. Do not chew, bite, or break the tablet.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue/Tiredness
• Swelling of ankles or feet (edema)
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Sleepiness
• Flushing (redness of face, neck, arms, and chest)
• Palpitations

Serious Side Effects (rare):

• Liver problems (e.g., yellowing of skin, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite)
• Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting)
• Recurrent chest pain, which may indicate a heart attack
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat

Precautions

• Allergies: Avoid taking if allergic to Amlopin 10 Tablet or dihydropyridine derivatives.
• Liver Impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver disease; dosage adjustments may be necessary, and it should be initiated at the lowest dose and titrated slowly in severe hepatic impairment.
• Kidney Disease: Generally considered safe for use in patients with kidney disease; dosage adjustments are typically not required as amlodipine plasma concentrations are not correlated with the degree of renal impairment.
• Heart Conditions: Exercise caution in patients with heart failure, severe aortic stenosis, or those who have recently had a heart attack.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Amlopin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is recommended that nursing be discontinued while Amlodipine is administered as it is not known if it is excreted in human milk.
• Alcohol: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol as it can worsen side effects like dizziness.
• Grapefruit: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can increase amlodipine levels in the blood, leading to an unpredictable increase in the blood pressure-lowering effect.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbals you are taking, especially other antihypertensive agents, antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin), cholesterol-lowering medicines (e.g., simvastatin), and immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus, cyclosporine).

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.
• Keep the medication in its original package to protect it from light and moisture.
• Ensure the storage place is out of reach of children.
• Store at room temperature (below 30°C or between 10ºC to 25ºC).

Here are some frequently asked questions about AMLOPIN 10 TABLET:

What is AMLOPIN 10 TABLET used for?

AMLOPIN 10 TABLET is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent angina (heart-related chest pain). It helps lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is also effective in managing chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina.

How does AMLOPIN 10 TABLET work?

AMLOPIN 10 TABLET contains Amlodipine, which is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily throughout the body, thereby lowering blood pressure. In cases of angina, it improves the blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle and reduces the heart's workload.

What is the usual dosage for AMLOPIN 10 TABLET?

For both hypertension and angina, the typical starting dose is 5 mg once daily, which may be increased to a maximum of 10 mg once daily, depending on your individual response and the severity of your condition. It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body. For children aged 6-17 years with hypertension, the recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg once daily, which can be increased to 5 mg once daily if the blood pressure target is not met after four weeks. Doses exceeding 5 mg daily have not been studied in pediatric patients. Elderly patients or those with liver impairment may be started on a lower dose, such as 2.5 mg once daily, and any dose increase should be done cautiously.

What are the possible side effects of AMLOPIN 10 TABLET?

Common side effects can include headache, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, sleepiness, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles or feet (edema). You might also experience redness of the face or flushing. Serious, though rare, side effects may include liver problems (indicated by yellowing skin, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite), pancreatitis (severe stomach pain), recurrent chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or fainting. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, you should consult your doctor.

Is AMLOPIN 10 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During Pregnancy: AMLOPIN 10 TABLET may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have indicated harmful effects on the developing baby, and the safety in human pregnancy has not been definitively established. Your doctor will carefully weigh the potential benefits against any risks before prescribing this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

During Breastfeeding: AMLOPIN 10 TABLET is probably safe to use during breastfeeding if prescribed by a doctor. Limited human data suggests that the drug passes into breast milk in small amounts but does not pose a significant risk to the baby. However, it is always advisable to consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding or about to start breastfeeding.

Can AMLOPIN 10 TABLET be taken with other medications?

AMLOPIN 10 TABLET can be prescribed alone or in combination with other medicines for high blood pressure or heart conditions. However, it can interact with several medications. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking.

Key interactions include:

• Other blood pressure-lowering medicines (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics): Taking these together can sometimes cause blood pressure to drop too low.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampicin), antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), and HIV/HCV medicines (e.g., ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir): These can increase the levels of amlodipine in your blood, potentially leading to increased side effects.
• Statins (e.g., simvastatin, lovastatin): Amlodipine may increase the risk of muscle-related side effects from these cholesterol-lowering medicines.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen): These may affect how well amlodipine controls blood pressure and could increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Grapefruit juice: Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice is not recommended as it can significantly increase the blood levels of amlodipine, leading to an unpredictable increase in its blood pressure-lowering effect and potential side effects.

What precautions should be taken while taking AMLOPIN 10 TABLET?

Do not stop taking AMLOPIN 10 TABLET abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can worsen your condition or cause a sudden increase in blood pressure. Regular monitoring of your blood pressure is important to ensure the medicine is working effectively. Exercise caution if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure, heart valve problems (such as aortic stenosis), or a history of heart attack. AMLOPIN 10 TABLET may cause dizziness or sleepiness, so be careful when driving or operating machinery, and rise slowly from a sitting or lying position. It is also advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption, as it can worsen dizziness.

What happens if a dose of AMLOPIN 10 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, provided there is sufficient time before your next scheduled dose. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within 12 hours), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects. Missing a dose can lead to a rise in blood pressure, so consistent intake is important.

How should AMLOPIN 10 TABLET be stored?

AMLOPIN 10 TABLET should be stored at room temperature, generally below 30°C (or between 10ºC to 25ºC), in a cool, dark, and dry place. Keep the medication in its original packaging to protect it from light and moisture. Always ensure it is stored out of the sight and reach of children.