Amlopin At

AMLOPIN AT by USV LTD is a combination medication used to manage hypertension and angina.

Name

• Brand Name: AMLOPIN AT
• Common Name: Amlodipine and Atenolol Tablets

Composition

AMLOPIN AT contains two active ingredients:

• Amlodipine: 5 mg (a calcium channel blocker)
• Atenolol: 50 mg (a beta-blocker)

Uses

AMLOPIN AT is prescribed for the treatment of:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It helps to lower elevated blood pressure, reducing the risk of future heart attacks and strokes.
• Angina (Chest Pain): It relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow to the heart, which helps prevent and treat chest pain.

Dosage and Administration

Typically, AMLOPIN AT is taken orally once daily, or as directed by a physician. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food. It is important to take the medicine at the same time each day and not to stop taking it abruptly without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Sleepiness and Dizziness
• Ankle swelling (Peripheral oedema)
• Headache
• Palpitations (racing heartbeat)
• Low blood pressure (Hypotension)
• Cold extremities
• Flushing (sense of warmth)
• Slow heart rate
• Constipation or Diarrhoea
• Tiredness/Fatigue

If side effects are persistent or severe, medical attention should be sought.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to Amlodipine, Atenolol, or any other components of the tablet.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Amlopin-AT is generally unsafe during pregnancy (Category D) and is probably unsafe during breastfeeding. Consult a doctor.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may intensify side effects such as low blood pressure.
• Driving and Machinery: Exercise caution as the medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting the ability to drive or operate machinery.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor about any history of liver disease, kidney disease, low blood pressure, heart problems (like heart failure, aortic stenosis, recent heart attack), asthma, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid gland.
• Grapefruit Juice: Avoid grapefruit juice as it can affect the absorption of Amlopin AT and further decrease blood pressure.
• Sudden Discontinuation: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Storage

Store AMLOPIN AT in a cool and dry place, protected from sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. The recommended storage temperature is between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

What is AMLOPIN AT used for?

AMLOPIN AT is primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina pectoris (chest pain caused by reduced blood supply to the heart). This combination medication helps control blood pressure, which in turn reduces the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

How does AMLOPIN AT work?

AMLOPIN AT contains two active ingredients: Amlodipine and Atenolol. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, thus lowering blood pressure. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that reduces the effects of stress hormones like adrenaline, slowing down the heart rate and decreasing the force of heart contractions. This combined action effectively lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's workload.

What is the usual dosage for AMLOPIN AT?

The dosage of AMLOPIN AT is determined by your doctor based on your specific condition, age, medical history, and response to the medicine. It is typically taken once daily, swallowed whole with water, and can be taken with or without food. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and do not stop taking it without consultation. A common composition is Amlodipine 5 mg and Atenolol 50 mg.

What are the possible side effects of AMLOPIN AT?

Common side effects may include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, slow heart rate, peripheral edema (swelling of ankles and feet), low blood pressure (hypotension), and flushing (a sensation of warmth). Other potential side effects include constipation, diarrhea, shortness of breath, stomach pain, sleepiness, muscle cramps, and cold extremities. Most side effects are usually mild and temporary. If you experience persistent or severe side effects such as more frequent or severe chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, contact your doctor immediately.

Is AMLOPIN AT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: AMLOPIN AT is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, as it contains atenolol, which is known to potentially harm the unborn baby. Amlodipine itself is a pregnancy category C drug. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, as they may suggest a safer alternative.

Breastfeeding: It is generally advised not to breastfeed while taking AMLOPIN AT, as it may be unsafe for the newborn baby due to the atenolol component. While amlodipine passes into breast milk in small amounts and is not known to cause adverse effects in breastfed babies, the combination with atenolol makes caution necessary. Discuss with your doctor to determine the best course of action.

Can AMLOPIN AT be taken with other medications?

AMLOPIN AT can interact with several other medications. Taking it with other blood pressure-lowering medicines can lead to excessively low blood pressure. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may reduce its blood pressure-lowering effect. Certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin) and antifungal medicines (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole) may increase the levels of amlodipine in your body, potentially worsening side effects. St. John's wort may also affect how amlodipine works. Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while on AMLOPIN AT?

It is important to avoid alcohol consumption while taking AMLOPIN AT, as it can intensify side effects and cause a significant drop in blood pressure. Due to potential dizziness or sleepiness, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, severe heart problems (e.g., heart failure, recent heart attack), asthma, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, or very low blood pressure. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a low-salt diet and regular exercise, can also help manage your condition.

What happens if a dose of AMLOPIN AT is missed?

If you miss a dose of AMLOPIN AT, take it as soon as you remember that day. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose (e.g., less than 12 hours away), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

How should AMLOPIN AT be stored?

AMLOPIN AT tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Always check the expiration date on the package before use and discard any expired or unused medicine properly.

Are there any food interactions with AMLOPIN AT?

Yes, grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking AMLOPIN AT. Drinking grapefruit juice can increase the levels of amlodipine in your body, which may lead to a further decrease in blood pressure and potentially increase side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting.