Camlopril

Camlopril Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Camlopril is a brand name. Its generic name is Amlodipine + Benazepril Hydrochloride.

Camlopril

Camlopril is a combination drug used to treat high blood pressure and other associated health conditions. It is made up of two different active ingredients: amlodipine, a medication used to treat high blood pressure, and benazepril, a medication used to treat congestive heart failure. This combination works by widening the blood vessels and decreasing the heart rate, allowing for increased blood flow and reduced pressure.

Uses

Camlopril is most often used to treat hypertension and associated conditions, such as heart failure and coronary artery disease. It can also be used to prevent heart attack and stroke in patients with diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, it may be prescribed to treat edema, or swelling, caused by congestive heart failure.

Mechanism of Action

Amlodipine dilates blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure, while benazepril blocks the action of an enzyme (ACE) that produces angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. This reduces the pressure in the blood vessels, allowing them to widen and increasing the flow of blood. In addition, it works to reduce the strain on the heart by decreasing its workload.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Camlopril starts to work within 2 hours of taking the dose and its full effects can be felt within 4-6 hours. It is important to take the prescription regularly for maximum effectiveness.

Absorption

Camlopril is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract at a rate of about 70%, with peak concentrations reached in 1-2 hours.

Route of Elimination

Camlopril is eliminated from the body mainly through the kidneys in the form of metabolites, with a small amount being eliminated through the faeces.

Dosage

The usual dosage for amlodipine + benazepril hydrochloride is one or two tablets once daily. The dosage will vary from patient to patient and should be determined by a doctor. If you experience side effects, your doctor may adjust the dosage or frequency of your dosage.

Administration

Camlopril should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken orally with a full glass of water. It is best to take it with or immediately after a meal. Do not chew, crush, cut, divide or break the tablets.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Camlopril include headache, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, sneezing, nasal congestion, and cough. Other, more serious side effects may include difficulty breathing, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, hands, arms, feet, lower legs, and ankles. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor.

Toxicity

Camlopril is generally considered safe and non-toxic. As long as it is taken as prescribed and the patient has no known allergies, there should be no signs of toxicity. However, if a large amounts of the drug is taken, the risk of overdose and toxicity increases.

Precaution

Camlopril should not be taken if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver or kidney disease. It should be taken with caution if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, especially diuretics, heart medicines, or NSAIDs.

Interaction

Camlopril may interact with other drugs, including other blood pressure medications, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It can also interact with certain supplements, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disease Interaction

Camlopril should be avoided if you have certain conditions and diseases, including kidney, liver, or heart disease, and certain types of glaucoma. Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions or diseases before beginning treatment.

Drug Interaction

Camlopril may interact with certain drugs, including antacids, seizure medications, diuretics, and NSAIDs. Other drugs including aspirin may also interact with this drug combination, so it is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before beginning treatment.

Food Interactions

Camlopril should be taken with meals or immediately after meals. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with the absorption of this medication, so it is important to avoid these items while taking Camlopril.

Pregnancy Use

Camlopril should not be taken during pregnancy as it can be harmful to the developing fetus. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Lactation Use

Camlopril should not be taken when breastfeeding, as its effects on a nursing infant have not been studied and it may cause harm. If you are nursing, it is important to tell your doctor before taking this drug combination.

Acute Overdose

An acute overdose of Camlopril can lead to a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If you or a loved one has overdosed, seek medical attention immediately.

Contraindication

Camlopril should not be taken by people with an allergy to either amlodipine, benazepril, or any of the inactive ingredients in the drug combination. It should also not be taken if you have certain health conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, or systemic lupus erythematosus.

Use Direction

Camlopril should be taken as directed by your doctor. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed, and not to take more or less than the prescribed amount. It should be taken with a full glass of water, with or immediately after meals.

Storage Condition

Camlopril should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it in tightly closed container and out of reach of children.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of Camlopril is not known, as its effects are too short-lived to allow for accurate measurement.

Half Life

The half-life of Camlopril is 3.6-8 hours, and its effects can last up to 24 hours.

Clearance

Camlopril is metabolized in the liver and eliminated from the body through urine. Its clearance rate is relatively high, allowing for its rapid elimination from the body.

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