Amlodipine + Valsartan brands and prices in Pakistan

About Amlodipine with valsartan

This is a prescription tablet that contains two blood pressure medicines. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker: it relaxes and widens blood vessels. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB): it blocks a natural substance that makes blood vessels tighten. Together they help blood flow more easily, which lowers blood pressure.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you are allergic to amlodipine, other calcium channel blockers, valsartan or any of the other ingredients.
• Do not take it if you are pregnant beyond the first trimester. If you are pregnant, think you might be, or are planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor, who will usually switch you to another medicine.
• Breastfeeding: it is not recommended. Your doctor will usually choose a different treatment.
• Do not take it if you have severe liver problems or bile duct problems.
• Do not take it if you have very low blood pressure, a narrowed heart valve (aortic stenosis), shock caused by a heart problem, or heart failure after a heart attack.
• Do not take it with a blood pressure medicine containing aliskiren if you have diabetes or kidney problems.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, a kidney transplant or narrowed arteries to the kidneys.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, have had a heart attack, or have thickened heart muscle.
• Tell your doctor if you have primary hyperaldosteronism (an adrenal gland condition) or have ever had angioedema.
• Tell your doctor if you have recently had vomiting or diarrhoea, as your blood pressure may drop too low.
• Some tablets contain sorbitol; check the leaflet if you cannot have some sugars.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril) and aliskiren, which raise the risk of low blood pressure, high potassium and kidney problems
• Potassium supplements, salt substitutes that contain potassium, and water tablets (diuretics) such as spironolactone
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
• Lithium (for some mood disorders)
• Simvastatin (a statin)
• Ciclosporin and tacrolimus (medicines that calm the immune system)
• Some antifungal medicines (such as ketoconazole and fluconazole), some HIV medicines (such as ritonavir) and some antibiotics (such as rifampicin and clarithromycin)
• Some epilepsy medicines, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin
• Verapamil and diltiazem (heart and blood pressure medicines), nitrates and other medicines that lower blood pressure
• Dantrolene (a muscle relaxant)
• St John's wort (a herbal medicine)
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the effect and side effects of amlodipine

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food, but not with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop unless your doctor tells you to, as your condition may get worse.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one.
• Tell your doctor if you have diarrhoea or vomiting, sweat a lot or are not drinking enough, as your blood pressure may drop too low.
• Do not use salt substitutes that contain potassium unless your doctor agrees.
• Go to your check-ups. Your doctor may check your blood pressure and do blood tests for your kidneys and potassium.
• If you feel dizzy, sleepy or tired, do not drive, cycle or use machines until it passes.
• Tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist you see that you take it, and keep a list of all your medicines and supplements.

Common questions

Why are two medicines combined in one tablet?
Amlodipine and valsartan lower blood pressure in two different ways. The combined tablet is used for adults whose blood pressure is not controlled well enough by one of them alone, or who already take both and would find one tablet easier.

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
Keep alcohol low. NHS advice for both amlodipine and valsartan is to limit alcohol, because it can make low blood pressure, dizziness and light-headedness more likely.

Can I eat grapefruit?
No. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can raise the amount of amlodipine in your blood and increase its effects and side effects, so avoid them while taking this medicine.

My ankles are swollen. Is this the medicine?
It may be. Ankle and leg swelling is a common side effect of amlodipine. Keep taking the tablets and talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Get help straight away if your face, lips, tongue or throat swell.

What if I become pregnant?
Contact your doctor straight away. Valsartan can seriously harm an unborn baby, especially later in pregnancy, so your doctor will usually switch you to a safer medicine. If you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor first.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.