Valsartan and Amlodipine

Angiotensin-II Antagonist · Angiotensin II antagonist/Calcium antagonist

Indications

Essential hypertension.

Dosage

Adults: 1 tab daily. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Nasopharyngitis, flu. Headache. Oedema (pitting, facial, peripheral), fatigue, flushing, asthaenia, hot flush, hypokalaemia, hot flushes, somnolence, dizziness, palpitations, abdominal pain, nausea. Reports of angioedema (discontinue).

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Biliary cirrhosis or cholestasis, severe hepatic impairment, dialysis. Severe hypotension, shock, left ventricular outflow obstruction, unstable heart failure following MI. Primary hyperaldosteronism. Precautions: Mild to moderate hepatic impairment, biliary obstruction, salt or volume depletion, aortic or mitral stenosis, malignant hyperthermia, hypertensive crisis. Moderate to severe renal impairment, renal artery stenosis; monitor serum potassium and creatinine levels. Heart failure or post MI; monitor renal function. Elderly.

Interactions

K supplements, K-sparing diuretics, K-containing salt substitutes or other drugs that may increase K levels (heparin, etc.), other antihypertensives, lithium, heparin, NSAIDs, simvastatin, ritonavir, rifampicin, dantrolene, cyclosporin, grapefruit juice, CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals.

Pharmacokinetics

VALSARTAN: Onset of action: Approx. 2 hrs. Duration: 24 hrs. Metabolism: To inactive metabolite. Bioavailability: Tab: 25%. Susp: Approx. 40%. Half-life elimination: Children 1-5 yrs: Approx. 4 hrs. 6-16 yrs: Approx. 5 hrs. Adults: Approx. 6 hrs. Time to peak, serum: Children 1-16 yrs: Oral susp: 2 hrs. Adults: 2-4 hrs. Excretion: Faeces (83%). Urine (13%). AMLODIPINE: Onset of action: Antihypertensive effect: Significant reductions in blood pressure at 24-48 hrs after first dose. Duration: Antihypertensive effect: At least 24 hrs. Discontinuation after 6-7 wks of treatment: Duration extends to at least 72 hrs. Absorption: Well absorbed. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: 64%-90%. Half-life elimination: Terminal (biphasic): 30-50 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 6-12 hrs. Excretion: Urine.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.