Abecab 5 mg+20 mg

Description

Indications

Abecab is prescribed for the management of hypertension, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other antihypertensive medications to help lower blood pressure. It is also suitable as an initial treatment for patients who may require multiple antihypertensive agents to achieve optimal blood pressure control. The decision to initiate combination therapy should be personalized, taking into account factors such as baseline blood pressure levels, target goals, and the likelihood of achieving better outcomes with combination therapy compared to monotherapy. Blood pressure targets may vary depending on the individual’s health risks.

Take this medication as per the advice of a registered physician.

Pharmacology

Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. It has a more pronounced effect on vascular smooth muscle, leading to arterial vasodilation and a subsequent decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure.

Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor formed from angiotensin I through the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). It plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure by causing blood vessels to constrict and stimulating aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands.

Olmesartan Medoxomil is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that inhibits the vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking its binding to the AT1 receptor present in various tissues, such as vascular smooth muscle and adrenal glands. Studies indicate that Olmesartan Medoxomil functions as a reversible, competitive inhibitor of the AT1 receptor. Unlike ACE inhibitors, it does not prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II or interfere with bradykinin metabolism.

Dosage & Administration

For patients already taking Amlodipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil separately, this combination can serve as a substitute. The dosage may be adjusted by increasing the amount of Amlodipine, Olmesartan Medoxomil, or both as needed.

Initial Therapy: The recommended starting dose is 5/20 mg once daily for 1 to 2 weeks, with the possibility of titrating up to a maximum dose of 10/40 mg once daily. Since Amlodipine clearance is reduced in elderly patients, a lower starting dose of 2.5 mg is advised for individuals aged 75 years and older. However, as the lowest available dose of this combination is 5/20 mg, initial therapy with this combination is not recommended for patients over 75 years.

Take this medication as per the advice of a registered physician.

Drug Interactions

The antihypertensive effect of Olmesartan Medoxomil, like other angiotensin II receptor blockers, may be reduced when taken with NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors. Patients receiving this combination along with medications that influence the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) should have their blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolyte levels closely monitored.

Contraindications

This medication should not be taken alongside Aliskiren in patients diagnosed with diabetes.

Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects include:

• Peripheral edema
• Headache
• Flushing
• Dizziness

In some cases, it may cause intestinal issues such as sprue-like enteropathy.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category D: The use of Amlodipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as it may lead to fetal harm or death. If pregnancy is detected, this medication should be discontinued immediately.

It remains uncertain whether Olmesartan and Amlodipine are excreted in human breast milk. Due to potential risks to nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, considering the benefits of treatment for the mother.

Precautions & Warnings

This combination medication should be used with caution due to the potential risks of:

• Hypotension in patients with low blood volume or salt depletion
• Vasodilation effects in individuals with severe aortic stenosis
• Increased frequency, duration, or severity of angina or myocardial infarction in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease

Use in Special Populations

• Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of this medication in children have not been established.
• Geriatric Use: No significant differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients.
• Renal Impairment: There is a lack of studies evaluating the use of this medication in individuals with renal impairment.
• Hepatic Impairment: This combination therapy is not recommended as an initial treatment for patients with liver dysfunction.

Overdose Effects

Currently, there is no specific data available regarding overdose cases in humans.

Therapeutic Class

Combination antihypertensive agents.

Storage Conditions

• Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
• Keep away from direct light and moisture.
• Ensure the medication is out of reach of children.