Amlopres + Benace 10 + 10 mg

Amlodipine Besylate is a long acting dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker and Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor). The fixed dose combination of both the drugs is recommended in conditions like hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. This is the most common drug combination that is recommended for the lower of hypertension and treatment of angina or chest pain.  Lowering the high blood pressure (Hypertension) is helpful in preventing strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. It is quite helpful drug in increasing the ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of angina attacks.

Understanding the drug Amlodipine Besylate:

How it works?

Amlodipine Besylate is a calcium channel blocker. It works by inhibiting the movement of calcium ions through L type calcium channels into the vascular tissues and cardiac muscle cells. By inhibiting the entry of calcium channels one can decrease the contractility of arterial smooth muscles and causes vasodilation. This leads to relaxation of blood vessels and helps in smooth blood flow hence lowering the overall BP.

Benazepril is an Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and it relaxes the constricted blood vessels and helps heart in pumping the blood more easily. It reduces the post heart attack damage by supplying sufficient oxygen supply. In case of kidney problems, it improves the blood supply in the vessels found in the kidneys and reduces the chance of getting hypertension and post diabetes effects.

These both drugs hence work collectively to reduce the high blood pressure and also help in aiding the cardiovascular disease.

When should you avoid it?

You should not take this drug if you:

§  Are allergic to Amlodipine Besylate, benazepril or any other ingredients

§  Have liver problems

§  Have unstable angina

§  Have any other heart problems

§  Have congestive heart failure

§  Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

§  Have  porphyria

§  Are breastfeeding

 How much to take?

The drug should always be taken according to the prescribed by the physician. It should be maintained that you should take the drug regularly and timely. According to the progression of time and response of the patient, dose adjustments are generally done. Always take the medicine as prescribed by the doctor.

 What are the strengths available?

 Amlodipine Besylate-Benazepril tablets of the following strengths are available on our website:

§  Amlopres + Benace 10 + 10 mg

§  Amlopres + Benace 2.5+10mg

§  Amlopres + 2 Tabs of Benace 5 + 20 mg

§  Amlopres + Benace 5 + 5 mg

§  Amlopres + Benace 5 +10 mg

Who is the manufacturer?

Amlopres is manufactured by Cipla pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical giant. Tablets are available on our websites in various packs.

How to take?

You must swallow the whole tablet with one glass full of water. Do not crush or chew it.

When to take?

Medicine is taken once daily with or without food. It is the best way to take medicine same time daily because it shows best results and helps to remember when to take the drug.

For how long should it be taken?

It is important to take the drug for the time period prescribed by the doctor. Sudden discontinuation of medicine or any kind of variation in the dose can cause adverse reactions. So, before stopping the drug intake, always consult your physician first.

What if you take too much (overdose)?

You may need urgent medical attention if you experience below mentioned symptoms:

§  Dizziness

§  Confusion

§  Red skin rash

§  Nausea

§  Vomiting

§  Diarrhea

§  Fainting

§  Rapid heart rate

What if you miss the dose?

In case you miss the dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose then skip the dose and take your next dose on the correct time. Do not double up the dose in order to compensate the missed one.

What are the side effects?

All medicines have their side effects, sometimes they are serious but most of the times they are not. Common side effects are mentioned below:

§  Nausea and vomiting

§  Dizziness

§  Tired feeling

§  Stomach pain

§  Flushing

§  Swelling of legs or ankles

Serious side effects which need medical attention are as follows:

§  Lightheadedness

§  Fast heartbeat

§  Chest pain

§  Pain in arms or shoulders

§  General illness

§  Fatigue

Are there any possible drug interactions?

Always inform your doctor about the drugs you are taking till date. Give a complete list of prescription or non prescription drugs and any other disease conditions. This way, doctor is able to decide and give you the list of drugs and other things that may interact with Amlodipine Besylate. The following drugs are seriously contraindicated with amlodipine:

§  Dantrolene

§  Simvastatin

§  Diltiazem

§  Ivacaftor

§  Nefazodone

§  Alfuzosin

§  Calcium carbonate

§  Calcium chloride

§  Calcium citrate etc.

What are the things to be taken care of?

§  Don’t use the expired medicine

§  Keep a complete record of all the medicines you are taking along with this medicine

§  This medicine can pass into breast milk and can cause fetal harm

§  Limit the intake of alcoholic beverages and avoid activity that requires alertness as it causes dizziness

§  Monitor your blood pressure levels regularly

§  In patients with coronary artery disease, angina and myocardial infarction may develop with this drug. So, there is need to do dose adjustment

§  Don’t exceed the recommended dose

§  Edema may develop in some patients within 2-3 weeks of starting the therapy