Artilage plus 20 Tablets

What it is used for: Hypertension.

Indications as listed by the manufacturer: It ( Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide) is indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension in adults.

How it works: Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker Amlodipine binds to both dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine binding sites. The contractile processes of cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle are dependent upon the movement of extracellular calcium ions into these cells through specific ion channels. Hydrochlorothiazide : The mode of action of thiazides is through inhibition of the Na+Cl- symporter perhaps by competing for the Cl- site, thereby affecting the renal tubular mechanisms of electrolyte reabsorption, directly increasing excretion of sodium and chloride in approximately equivalent amounts and indirectly, reducing plasma volume, with consequent increases in plasma renin activity, increases in aldosterone secretion, increases in urinary potassium loss, and decreases in serum potassium.

Active ingredient: Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide.

Reported side effects: Agranulocytosis, bone marrow failure , Hemoglobin and Hematocrit decreased , Hemolytic anemia , Leukopenia, Neutropenia , Thrombocytopenia sometimes with purpura , Aplastic anemia , Anorexia , Hypercalcaemia , Hyperglycemia , Hyperlipidemia , Hyperuricaemia , Hypochloraemic alkalosis , Hypokalemia , Hypomagnesaemia , Headache , Hypertonia , Visual disturbance , Arrhythmias (including bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation).

Known drug interactions: Amlodipine : CYP3A4 inhibitors (protease inhibitors: ritonavir, azole antifungals: ketoconazole or itraconazole, macrolides: erythromycin or clarithromycin, verapamil or diltiazem) , CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. anticonvulsants: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, fosphenytoin, primidone; rifampicin and Hypericum perforatum ) , Sildenafil , Simvastatin , Immunosuppressants , Dantrolene infusion , Grape fruit. Hydrochlorothiazide : Metformin , antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics such as carbamazepine , cholestyramine or colestipol , Cyclosporine , Lithium , Alcohol, barbiturates or narcotics , Amantadine , Beta blockers and diazoxide , Cytotoxic agents , Digitalis glycosides , Iodine contrasting agents , Methyldopa , tubocurarine.

Hypertension / Myocardial ischaemia : Adults : Usually initial dose of 1 tab once daily , may be increased to a max daily dose of 2 tab . Children : Not recommended . OR As directed by your physician .

Active ingredient: Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide. Labelled strength: 5mg/12.5mg.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.

Manufactured by Artilage Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd.. Country of origin: Switzerland.