Amlocard Plus 5 mg+50 mg

Description

Indications
This medication is prescribed for:

• Patients with essential hypertension.
• Patients with both angina pectoris and hypertension.
• Post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients.
• Patients with refractory angina pectoris who have not responded to nitrate therapy.

Use only as directed by a registered physician.

Pharmacology
This is a combination medication containing Amlodipine and Atenolol.

• Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that reduces calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. It primarily acts on vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation, reduced peripheral vascular resistance, and lower blood pressure. Additionally, it decreases coronary vasoreactivity and myocardial oxygen demand by reducing afterload.
• Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure by reducing cardiac output, decreasing plasma renin activity, and inhibiting sympathetic nervous system activity. It also reduces myocardial oxygen demand through its negative inotropic (weakened heart muscle contraction) and negative chronotropic (slower heart rate) effects.

Dosage & Administration
The recommended dosage is one tablet of Amlodipine and Atenolol (5 mg/25 mg) once daily. If necessary, the dose may be increased to two tablets per day, as advised by a physician. The dosage should be tailored to individual patient needs.

Use only as directed by a registered physician.

Drug Interactions

• Disopyramide: Atenolol may reduce the clearance of disopyramide by 20%, potentially leading to additive negative inotropic effects on the heart.
• Ampicillin (at doses of 1 g or more): May decrease Atenolol levels.
• Oral antidiabetics & insulin: Beta-blockers may reduce tissue sensitivity to insulin and inhibit insulin secretion, which can affect blood sugar control. Atenolol has a lower likelihood of causing these effects than other beta-blockers.

Contraindications
This combination should not be used in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity to Amlodipine or Atenolol.
• Sinus bradycardia.
• Second-degree or higher heart block.
• Cardiogenic shock.
• Hypotension.
• Congestive heart failure with poor left ventricular function.

Side Effects
This combination is generally well tolerated. However, some patients may experience:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Edema
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Anxiety
• Depression

Pregnancy & Lactation

• This medication should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus.
• It is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. If use is necessary, breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Precautions & Warnings

• Bronchospasm: Use with caution in patients with respiratory conditions.
• Renal impairment: Can be used in patients with kidney disease, but caution is advised if creatinine clearance is below 30 mL/min, as Atenolol excretion may be reduced.
• Hepatic impairment: Patients with severe liver disease may require careful monitoring due to the prolonged elimination half-life of Amlodipine.
• Drug withdrawal: Sudden discontinuation should be avoided, as undiagnosed coronary artery disease may be present. Any dose reduction or discontinuation should be gradual and under medical supervision.

Overdose Effects
While not commonly reported, overdose may lead to hypotension or, in rare cases, congestive heart failure. In such situations:

• Unabsorbed medication may be removed via gastric lavage or activated charcoal.
• Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Therapeutic Class
Combination antihypertensive medications.

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C.
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.