Exforge HCT (5/160/25mg) 14 Tablets

It contains; Amlodipine, Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide in its composition. Antianginal Agent; Antihypertensive; Calcium Channel Blocker, Dihydropyridine. Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist it acts by inhibiting the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscles this mechanism leads to a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure. Valsartan is an orally active, specific and selective angiotensin receptor blocker drug. As an Angiotensin II receptor blocker; this drug selectively and specifically antagonizes the action of angiotensin II; which is a potent vasoconstrictor that influences the mechanism of blood pressure (BP) regulation. This drug works by blocking the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor in many tissues, adrenal gland and vascular smooth muscles. Mechanism of action of this drug results in relaxation of blood vessels that leads to normal regulation of blood flow in vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide-type diuretic drug that is to treat hypertension globally and is comparatively safe. Hydrochlorothiazide performs its action by acting on the distal convoluted tubules of kidneys and inhibiting the sodium chloride cotransporter system. This mechanism results in a diuretic action that decreases blood pressure, but it could also result in a potassium loss in the urine.

Hydrochlorothiazide, Valsartan, Amlodipine

Tablet

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Dose must be taken according to doctor’s advice only; doses given below are suggested as supportive literature for better understanding in some areas of requirements. Adult dose: For hypertension; 5-10mg amlodipine/160-320mg valsartan/12.5-25mg hydrochlorothiazide a day; dose could be reduced after 2 weeks. Dose could be increased after two weeks according to patient’s condition. But do not exceed up to 10mg amlodipine/320mg valsartan/25mg hydrochlorothiazide a day.

Overdose of this drug will show you the signs of nausea, muscle weakness, extreme dry mouth and thirst and dizziness. Consult your doctor immediately in case of overdose.

In case you missed any dose, take the next dose as soon as you remember, but don't double your next dose to compensate for the missed one.

Take it orally with your doctor’s instructions.

The use of angiotensin II receptor blockers like; Valsartan should generally be avoided in women planning a pregnancy. Use of this medicine during pregnancy can cause serious damage to the fetus. Do not use hydrochlorothiazide in case of increasing azotemia and oliguria during treatment of severe progressive renal disease. Avoid use of this drug during breastfeeding. Avoid use of diuretics like; hydrochlorothiazide for treatment of increased blood pressure in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency.

Peripheral edema palpitations Pruritus Skin rash Pruritus Dizziness Drowsiness Fatigue Hypotension Urticaria Muscle spasm Hypokalemia Hypomagnesemia Hypercalcemia Hyponatremia Hyperuricemia Hypersensitivity reactions Myopia Acute angle-closure glaucoma(reversible)

While using Valsartan care must be taken in patients with a history of angioedema. If use of this medicine causes dizziness, then do not drive any machinery. Caution is required in gout or gouty arthritis patients as Hydrochlorothiazide may cause hyperuricemia and precipitate gout or gouty arthritis in susceptible patients. Hydrochlorothiazide must be used with extreme caution or avoid hydrochlorothiazide in the management of ascites due to cirrhosis; because hydrochlorothiazide may lead to rapid progression of hyponatremia when used in combination with spironolactone and furosemide. Caution is required while using hydrochlorothiazide in patients with moderate or high cholesterol concentrations; it may increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels. As hydrochlorothiazide reduces calcium excretions so long term use of hydrochlorothiazide may affect normal functioning of parathyroid gland due to development of hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia. May cause azotemia in patients with impaired renal function. Use with caution in patients with severe liver dysfunction; avoid electrolyte and acid/base imbalances that might lead to liver encephalopathy or coma. May cause changes in glucose control so use with caution in patients with prediabetes or diabetes mellitus. Avoid the use of diuretics like; hydrochlorothiazide in the immediate postoperative period after bariatric surgery because it could lead to electrolyte disturbances and dehydration. Once oral fluid intake becomes normal then this medicine could be resumed after indication. Some preparation of hydrochlorothiazide may contain propylene glycol; in neonates if large amounts of propylene glycol are given orally, intravenously (e.g., >3,000 mg per day), or topically then it may result in fatal toxicities like; metabolic acidosis, seizures, renal failure, and CNS depression; these toxicities could occur in children and adults including hyperosmolality, lactic acidosis, seizures, and respiratory depression; so use with caution. Development of electrolyte disturbances may be minimized when used in combination with other electrolyte-sparing antihypertensive medicines (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin receptor blockers, or aldosterone inhibitors).

Avoid salt substitutes which contain potassium.

ECG and blood pressure along with use.