Exforge Hct Tablets 516012/5mg 14s

What it is used for: Hypertension.

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

How it works: Valsartan : Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin I in a reaction catalyzed by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, kininase II). Angiotensin II is the principal pressor agent of the renin-angiotensin system, with effects that include vasoconstriction, stimulation of synthesis and release of aldosterone, cardiac stimulation, and renal reabsorption of sodium. 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: Valsartan, 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. Valsartan : Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) , heparin , NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors , rifampicin, ciclosporin , ritonavir , Lithium . 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.

The recommended dose is one tablet per day, to be taken preferably in the morning. The dosage may be increased after 2 weeks of therapy. The full blood pressure lowering effect is achieved 2 weeks after being on the maximal dose of medicine. The maximum recommended dose of this medicine is 320/10/25 mg or as directed by your physician.

Follow your doctor’s instructions. The dosage above is the usual range — your prescription takes precedence over it.

Active ingredient: Valsartan, Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide. Labelled strength: 12.5mg.

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

Manufactured by Exforge Healthcare (Pvt) Ltd.. Country of origin: United Kingdom.