Cardicor 5 mg

Description

Indications
Cardicor 5 mg Tablet is prescribed for the treatment of:

• Hypertension (High blood pressure)
• Angina (Chest pain)
• Moderate to severe heart failure

Cardicor should not be used for the emergency treatment of hypertensive crises.
Please consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Pharmacology
Cardicor contains Bisoprolol Fumarate, a highly selective beta-1 (ß1) receptor blocker. It has a strong affinity for the ß1 adrenergic receptors in the heart and vascular smooth muscle, making it effective in lowering heart rate and cardiac output, ultimately reducing arterial hypertension. Unlike other non-selective beta-blockers, Bisoprolol does not significantly affect lipid metabolism, including maintaining cardioprotective HDL cholesterol levels during long-term therapy.

The pharmacokinetic properties of Bisoprolol allow for once-daily dosing with minimal variability between individuals, providing high therapeutic reliability.

• Absorption & Bioavailability: Bisoprolol is absorbed almost completely (over 90%) from the gastrointestinal tract, with a bioavailability of 88%. Food intake does not affect its absorption.
• Distribution: Bisoprolol is extensively distributed with a medium distribution volume of 3.51 L/kg.
• Metabolism: Bisoprolol is metabolized in the liver through oxidative pathways and excreted primarily in the urine. The major metabolites do not have pharmacological activity.
• Elimination: Bisoprolol’s clearance is approximately balanced between renal elimination (50%) and hepatic metabolism (50%). It has a half-life of 10-12 hours.

Dosage & Administration

• Adults: The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily, either alone or in combination with a diuretic. If the response to 5 mg is inadequate, the dose may be increased to 10 mg and later to 20 mg once daily, with a 2-week interval between adjustments. Doses higher than 20 mg provide limited additional benefit.
• Children: The safety and effectiveness of Bisoprolol in children have not been established.
• Renal or Hepatic Impairment: For patients with renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance below 40 mL/min) or hepatic impairment (hepatitis or cirrhosis), the initial daily dose should be 5 mg. Caution is advised during dose titration. Since Bisoprolol is not dialyzable, dose adjustments are not necessary for patients undergoing dialysis.
• Geriatrics: Elderly patients generally do not need a dose adjustment unless they have significant renal or hepatic dysfunction.

Please consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Interactions

• Other Beta-Blockers: Cardicor should not be used in combination with other beta-blockers.
• Catecholamine-Depleting Drugs: Caution is required when using drugs like reserpine or guanethidine, as they may amplify Cardicor’s effects, leading to excessive reduction of sympathetic activity.
• Centrally Acting Antihypertensive Agents: Combining Cardicor with clonidine may cause rebound hypertension after clonidine withdrawal. The beta-blocker should be stopped several days before discontinuing clonidine.
• Antiarrhythmic Agents and Calcium Channel Blockers: Caution is required when used together with calcium channel blockers or antiarrhythmic agents, as they may increase the risk of bradycardia, severe hypotension, or cardiac failure.

Contraindications
Cardicor should not be used in patients with:

• Cardiogenic shock
• Overt heart failure
• Second or third-degree A-V block
• Right ventricular failure due to pulmonary hypertension
• Sinus bradycardia

Side Effects
Possible side effects of Cardicor include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain)
• Cold or numb extremities
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Slower heart rate
• Breathing difficulties (especially in patients with asthma or COPD)

If you experience any side effects, consult your healthcare provider.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Bisoprolol has shown no teratogenic effects in animal studies at doses much higher than the recommended human dose. However, it did show fetotoxic effects at higher doses. As there are no human studies, it should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the risks to the fetus.
• Lactation: Bisoprolol has been detected in the milk of lactating rats. It is unclear whether it is excreted in human milk. If necessary, breastfeeding should be stopped if Bisoprolol use is essential.

Precautions & Warnings

• Caution should be exercised when adjusting the dose for patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
• Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions may experience an increased sensitivity to allergens while taking beta-blockers. They may also be less responsive to epinephrine.

Therapeutic Class

• Anti-adrenergic agent (Beta blockers)
• Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs

Storage Conditions

• Store in a dry place, away from light and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Chemical Structure

• Molecular Formula: C18H31NO4
• Chemical Structure: Bisoprolol Fumarate Structure

Common Questions about Cardicor 5 mg Tablet

• What is Cardicor 5 mg Tablet?
  Cardicor 5 mg Tablet is a beta-blocker used to manage high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline, lowering blood pressure, and easing the workload on the heart.

• How should I take Cardicor 5 mg Tablet?
  Take Cardicor 5 mg Tablet once daily with or without food. It is best to take it at the same time each day.

• What are the side effects of Cardicor 5 mg Tablet?
  Side effects may include dizziness, fatigue, headache, slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, and cold hands or feet.

• Is Cardicor 5 mg Tablet safe?
  It is generally safe for most people, but consult your doctor if you have asthma, diabetes, heart problems, liver or kidney issues, low blood pressure, or depression.

• Can I take Cardicor 5 mg Tablet before or after food?
  It is recommended to take Cardicor after food as prescribed.

• How should I store Cardicor 5 mg Tablet?
  Keep the medication in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children.

Quick Tips

• If you experience dizziness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
• Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels, as Cardicor may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar.
• Never stop taking Cardicor suddenly as this can lead to a rapid increase in blood pressure, raising the risk of a heart attack or stroke.