Amlodipine + Losartan

Amlodipine + Losartan contains two medicines, both of which help to control high blood pressure. It lowers the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This will reduce your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. Amlodipine + Losartan may be taken on an empty stomach or along with food. However, it is better to take it regularly at a fixed time each day, as prescribed by your doctor. The dose will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. It's important to keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. By lowering your blood pressure, it is reducing your risk of heart attack or stroke so do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. You can help this medicine work better by making a few changes to your lifestyle such as keeping active, stopping smoking, and eating a low salt and low fat diet. The most common side effects of this medicine include swelling in your ankles or feet (oedema), headache, sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, taste change, and upset stomach. Since it may cause sleepiness and dizziness, do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you. Talk to your doctor if any of the side effects bother you or will not go away. Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any kidney or liver problems or severe dehydration. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. While using this medicine, your blood pressure will need to be checked often and your kidney function may also need to be tested. Amlodipine + Losartan is a combination of two medicines: Losartan and Amlodipine which lower blood pressure effectively. Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). They work by relaxing the blood vessels and making the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Amlodipine inhibits the movement of Ca ions across the cell membrane into vascular smooth muscles and myocytes. Action is greater in the arterial resistant vessels causing peripheral vasodilatation and reduction in afterload. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor (type AT1) antagonists antihypertensive which acts by blocking the actions of angiotensin II of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The drug and its active metabolite selectively block the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively antagonising the binding of angiotensin II to AT1 receptors.

Adult Dose: Oral Mild to moderate hypertension Adult: Per tablet contains amlodipine 5 mg and losartan potassium 50 mg: Initial: 1 tablet once daily; may increase to 2 tablets daily if the BP control is inadequate after 1-2 wk.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Amlodipine + Losartan may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Common: • Sleepiness • Taste change • Ankle swelling • Headache • Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk) • Dizziness • Tiredness • Palpitations • Upset stomach • Increased potassium level in blood

[UNSAFE] Amlodipine + Losartan may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Amlodipine + Losartan may cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or tiredness, all of which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive. Amlodipine + Losartan is a combination of two medicines that provides better blood pressure control than either medicine alone. Amlodipine + Losartan may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you. It may cause you to feel lightheaded or weak especially when you stand up. Rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Avoid consuming alcohol as it may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect of this medicine. It can cause ankle or foot swelling. Raise your legs while you are sitting down and talk to your doctor if it does not go away. Do not take Amlodipine + Losartan if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Known hypersensitivity. Avoid concomitant K supplements. Pregnancy.

Amlodipine: Increased metabolism with rifampin. Reduced hypotensive effect with calcium. Potentiates effects of thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors. Avoid combination with β-blockers in patients with markedly impaired left ventricular function. Losartan: Concurrent use with NSAIDs may further worsen renal function. Cimetidine may increase the AUC of losartan by about 18%. Phenobarbital and other enzyme inducers may decrease levels of losartan and its active metabolite. Ketoconazole inhibits the conversion of losartan to its active metabolite. Concurrent use with potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium may increase serum potassium levels. Reduces lithium excretion; monitor lithium levels if used together. Potentially Fatal: Increased cyclosporine levels. Risk of lithium toxicity with losartan. Hypotensive effect of losartan potentiated by diuretics and other antihypertensives. Risk of hyperkalaemia increases with concomitant ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics and K supplements.

[UNSAFE] It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Amlodipine + Losartan.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Amlodipine + Losartan is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Amlodipine + Losartan is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Amlodipine + Losartan is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Amlodipine + Losartan is recommended. [CAUTION] Amlodipine + Losartan should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Amlodipine + Losartan may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Amlodipine + Losartan is started at a lower dose in patients with liver disease and further increased slowly with careful monitoring.