Exforge Tablets 10mg/160mg (Amlodipine Besilate + Valsartan) – novartis pharmaceuticals

Used For

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

How It Works

Amlodipine and Valsartan are antihypertensive medicines that work through different mechanisms to help control blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. Their combined action provides an additive effect, helping reduce blood pressure more effectively than either medicine used alone.

Usage & Safety

Dosage

Adults: The recommended dose of Amlodipine + Valsartan is one tablet once daily. It can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed with water.

Children: Not recommended. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for proper dose adjustment.

Side Effects

Possible side effects may include nasopharyngitis, influenza, hypokalemia, headache, weakness, fatigue, facial swelling, flushing, hot flushes, edema (including peripheral and pitting edema), loss of appetite, hypercalcemia, hyperlipidemia, increased uric acid levels, low sodium levels, dizziness, postural dizziness, abnormal coordination, drowsiness, visual disturbances, vertigo, palpitations, increased heart rate, orthostatic hypotension, cough, throat pain, abdominal discomfort, upper abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, skin rash, joint pain, back pain, and joint swelling.

Drug Interactions

Amlodipine + Valsartan may interact with antihypertensive medicines, grapefruit or grapefruit juice, CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as protease inhibitors, azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin and clarithromycin, verapamil, or diltiazem), CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampicin and Hypericum perforatum), simvastatin, lithium, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, NSAIDs, cyclosporine, rifampicin, ritonavir, and sildenafil.

Indications

Amlodipine + Valsartan is indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).

When Not to Use

This combination should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to amlodipine, valsartan, dihydropyridine derivatives, or any component of the formulation. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment, biliary cirrhosis, or cholestasis.

Precautions

Use Amlodipine + Valsartan with caution in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis affecting a single functioning kidney, as it may increase blood urea and serum creatinine levels.

Warnings

• Use with caution when combined with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium-containing salt substitutes, or other medicines that may increase potassium levels. Regular monitoring of potassium levels is recommended.
• The safety and effectiveness of amlodipine in hypertensive crisis have not been established.
• Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or airway) has been reported with valsartan use. Treatment should be discontinued immediately if such symptoms occur, and the medicine should not be restarted.

Pregnancy

Always consult your physician before using this medicine during pregnancy.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.