What it's for (Indications)
- Used for lowering blood pressure in hypertensive (increased blood pressure) patients and for treating edema (excess fluid in the body) associated with heart disease.
- It can also be used to treat Nephrotic Syndrome.
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | Dose once-daily. The dosage may be increased after 2 weeks of therapy, up to a maximum recommended dose of 10 mg amlodipine / 320 mg valsartan / 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide. The full blood pressure lowering effect was achieved 2 weeks after being on the maximal dose. This medication may be used as add-on/switch therapy for patients not adequately controlled on any two of the following antihypertensive classes: calcium channel blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, and diuretics. It may also be substituted for its individually titrated components. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Common adverse reactions (≥ 2% incidence) include dizziness, peripheral edema, headache, dyspepsia, fatigue, muscle spasms, back pain, nausea, and nasopharyngitis.
- Patients may also experience anorexia and epigastric distress.
Serious Warnings
- Black Box Warning: WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue amlodipine, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.
- **Pregnancy**: This medication is contraindicated in pregnancy; discontinue as soon as possible if pregnancy is detected due to severe fetal toxicity.
- Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.
- **Lactation**: This medication is recommended in lactating females (local Pakistani data).
- **Driving**: Avoid driving as it may affect your ability.
- **Alcohol**: Avoid consuming alcohol.
- **Renal Disease**: Avoid this medicine in severe renal (kidney) disease.
- **Caution**: Patients suffering from gout (painful joints), diabetes (raised blood sugar level), and moderate to high cholesterol concentration should stay cautious.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
The active ingredients of amlodipine, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide target three separate mechanisms involved in blood pressure regulation. Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. Valsartan blocks the vasoconstriction and sodium retaining effects of angiotensin II on cardiac, vascular smooth muscle, adrenal, and renal cells. Hydrochlorothiazide directly promotes the excretion of sodium and chloride in the kidney, leading to reductions in intravascular volume.
Commercial Brands (Alternatives)
No other brands found for this formula.