Amlopres AT 5+50 mg

Amlopres AT (5+50 mg)

 Amlopres AT is a drug that contains Amlodipine Besilate and Atenolol as the two main active ingredients. Amlodipine Besilate and Atenolol belongs to the category of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It is the most common drug used in the case of hypertension and chest pain. It prevents the influx of calcium in the smooth muscles and helps in supplying adequate amount of blood to the heart.

 What is Amlopres AT used for?

 Amlopres AT 5+50 is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or chest pain (angina) and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease. This medication is for use in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.

 How does Amlopres AT works?

 Amlopres AT (5+50) decreases arterial smooth muscle contractility and subsequent vasoconstriction by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels. Calcium ions entering the cell through these channels bind to calmodulin. Calcium-bound calmodulin then binds to and activates myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Activated MLCK catalyses the phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain subunit of myosin, a key step in muscle contraction. Signal amplification is achieved by calcium-induced calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine receptors. Inhibition of the initial influx of calcium decreases the contractile activity of arterial smooth muscle cells and results in vasodilation. The vasodilatory effects of amlodipine result in an overall decrease in blood pressure. Amlodipine is a long-acting CCB that may be used to treat mild to moderate essential hypertension and exertion-related angina (chronic stable angina). Another possible mechanism is that Amlodipine inhibits vascular smooth muscle carbonic anhydrase I activity causing cellular pH increases which may be involved in regulating intracellular calcium influx through calcium channels.

What are the side effects of Amlopres AT?

Amlopres AT has significant side effects which are nausea and vomiting, dizziness, tired feeling, stomach pain, flushing, swelling of legs or ankles, fast heartbeat, chest pain, pain in the arms or shoulders, fatigue, Low blood pressure, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hives, itching, rash, migraine, cough, shortness of breath, blurred vision, very rapid and irregular heartbeat, brain attack (stroke), inflammation of the liver, reduced number of red blood cells (anemia), reduced number of platelets, liver function abnormalities, muscle and joint pain, changes in kidney function, flu-like symptoms, back pain and urinary tract infection, sensitivity to light, unexplained, and weight gain, etc.

What medications interact with Amlopres AT?

It is important that you make known to your physician all the medications you use as there are several medicines which are found to interact with this drug and those are as follows:

• Asprin
• Beta blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, and timolol
• Carbamazepine such as Tegretol
• Sildenafil
• Simvastatin
• Ritonavir
• Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen, or diclofenac)
• ACE inhibitors such as captopril and lisinopril.
• Other blood pressure lowering medicines it may cause additional reduction in the blood
• Antifungals such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
• COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib, etoricoxib
• Lithium, a drug used to treat certain mental disorders
• Diuretics e.g. Furosemide
• Cimetidine such as Tagamet
• Clarithromycin such as Biaxin, Prevpac
• Cyclosporine
• Medications to treat high blood pressure
• Phenobarbital

 When should Amlopres AT not be used?

 You should avoid Amlopres AT 5+50 mg if you are:

• Allergic to the drug
• Already pregnant or are planning to conceive
• Lactating mother
• Have other heart related problems
• Serious liver problem
• Severe nasal problems
• Having porphyria
• Have congestive heart failure

Please consult your physician before taking Amlopres AT.

 How should Amlopres AT be used?

The medicine should be taken as prescribed by your physician. If possible, take the dose at a particular time each day; this will minimize the probability of a missed dose. Generally, one or two tablets are efficient to relieve you from the symptoms. Never overdose or under-dose, instead, take the prescribed dosage.

How long should you use Amlopres AT?

The medicine should be taken for as long as the doctor has recommended. It should be consumed orally. It is advised to use this medication exactly as per your doctor’s instructions.

 Missed dose of Amlopres AT.

 If you miss one dose of Amlopres AT, you should not attempt to double your next dose. Just do follow the regular dosing schedule.

 How should Amlopres AT be stored?

 Amlopres AT should be stored at controlled room temperature away from heat, moisture and temperature and in an airtight container.