Amocal Tablet

Introduction to Amocal Tablet 5 mg

Amlodipine besilate is a calcium channel blocker used for hypertension and angina pectoris. It is a long acting dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist with a slow onset of action and a long duration of action. It belongs to the drug class of calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, widening the blood vessels and reducing the pressure.

Uses for Amocal Tablet 5 mg

Amlodipine besilate is primarily used to treat hypertension and angina pectoris. It is also used to treat coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and to prevent migraine headaches. It can be used to lower blood pressure, decrease the frequency of angina attacks, and improve overall angina severity.

Brand Name	Amocal
Type	Tablet
Weight	5 mg
Generic	Amlodipine Besilate
Manufacturer	Opsonin Pharma Ltd.
Available in	English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Amlodipine besilate works by blocking calcium channels (L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels) on the cells of the heart and the arteries of the body. This causes the walls of the arteries to relax, increasing the blood flow and decreasing the pressure. It is also believed to have beneficial effects on the heart muscles and heart rate.

How Long Does it Take to Work

Amlodipine besilate takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks to become fully effective. When starting treatment, it is important to stick with it even if it takes some time to have the desired effect.

Absorption

Amlodipine besilate is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations achieved in about 4 to 6 hours. The bioavailability of the drug is about 64%, and it has a long half-life of 30 to 50 hours.

Route of Elimination

Amlodipine besilate is mainly eliminated via the kidneys. About 80% of the dose is eliminated unchanged, while the remainder is metabolized into inactive metabolites which are then excreted.

Dosage

Hypertension: Usual dose is 5 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 10 mg once daily. Elderly patients with hepatic insufficiency may be started on 2.5 mg once daily; this dose may also be used when adding Amlodipine to other antihypertensive therapy.

Angina (Chronic stable or Vasospastic): 5 to 10 mg, using the lower dose for elderly and in patients with hepatic insufficiency. Most patients require 10 mg.

Administrations: May be taken without regard to meals.

The dosage of Amlodipine besilate depends on the indication and the patient's age and kidney function. In general, the recommended dosages can range from 2.5 to 10 mg once a day. The maximum dose is usually no more than 10 mg per day.

Administration

Amlodipine besilate is available in tablets of under 5, 10, and 20 mg. The tablets can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole. For the best effect, it is usually taken in the morning or evening.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Amlodipine besilate include headache, edema, flushing, dizziness, and fatigue. Other side effects may include palpitations, nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and rash.

Toxicity

Amlodipine besilate is generally well tolerated. An overdose can lead to hypotension, bradycardia, and in some cases, syncope. If an overdose is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Precaution

Amlodipine besilate should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal and hepatic function or in those with a history of congestive heart failure, as it may worsen symptoms. It should also be used with caution in pregnant women and in those with a hypersensitivity to the drug.

Interactions

Amlodipine besilate can interact with other medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, and digitalis glycosides. It is important to always let the healthcare provider know about all medications taken, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbs.

Disease Interactions

Amlodipine besilate should be used with caution in patients with known renal and hepatic impairment, as these conditions may increase the risk of side effects. It should also be used with caution in those with a history of congestive heart failure, as it can worsen symptoms.

Drug Interactions

Amlodipine besilate can interact with other drugs, including ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, and digitalis glycosides. It is important to always let the healthcare provider know about all medications taken, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbs.

Food Interactions

Amlodipine besilate should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. It should not be taken with grapefruit juice or alcohol, as these can increase the risk of side effects.

Pregnancy Use

Amlodipine besilate should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is classified as Pregnancy Category C, which means that it may be harmful to the fetus.

Lactation Use

Amlodipine besilate should be used with caution while breast-feeding. It is excreted in breast milk, but the amount is not likely to be of clinical significance.

Acute Overdose

An acute overdose of Amlodipine besilate can lead to hypotension, bradycardia, and in some cases, syncope. If an overdose is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Contraindication

Amlodipine besilate should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to the medication or any of its components, and in those who have a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions. It should also be used with caution in those with impaired liver function.

Use Direction

Amlodipine besilate should be taken exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider. The tablets should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. It should not be taken with grapefruit juice or alcohol, as these can increase the risk of side effects.

Storage Condition

Amlodipine besilate should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and light. It should be kept in a tightly sealed container and out of reach of children.