ACT 10 Tablets

What is ACT 10

ACT 10 is a prescription medication containing Amlodipine (as besilate) 10 mg per tablet. Amlodipine is a long-acting calcium channel blocker (CCB) used primarily for managing high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). It belongs to the dihydropyridine class of CCBs and works by relaxing the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump and lowering blood pressure.

• Generic Name: Amlodipine (as besilate)
• Form: Oral tablets
• Strength: 10 mg
• Packaging: 30 tablets (10s per blister x 3)
• Indications: Hypertension, chronic stable angina, and vasospastic (Prinzmetal’s) angina
• Use in Cardiovascular Health: Lowers risk of stroke and heart attack by managing blood pressure effectively over the long term

How to use ACT 10

Correct usage of ACT 10 is essential to achieving optimal therapeutic results and avoiding potential complications:

• Dosage Timing: Usually taken once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in the bloodstream.
• Swallow Whole: The tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush.
• Adherence: Take the medication regularly as prescribed even if you feel well, since hypertension often has no symptoms.
• Monitoring: Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended to evaluate the drug’s effectiveness and adjust dosage if necessary.
• Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless it's close to the next dose. Do not double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Avoid Alcohol: It may further lower blood pressure and increase dizziness.

Mode of Action ACT 10

Amlodipine works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle:

• Calcium Channel Blockade: Amlodipine selectively blocks L-type calcium channels in the vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels).
• Reduction in Vascular Resistance: Vasodilation decreases peripheral resistance, thereby lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Cardiac Workload Reduction: Decreased vascular resistance leads to less effort required by the heart to pump blood.
• Anti-Anginal Effect: In coronary artery disease, amlodipine reduces afterload and improves oxygen delivery to myocardial tissue, alleviating angina symptoms.
• Long Duration of Action: The half-life of amlodipine is 30–50 hours, enabling once-daily dosing with a sustained blood pressure–lowering effect.

ACT 10 Interactions ACT 10

Several drugs may interact with amlodipine, affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse effects:

• Simvastatin: Amlodipine increases simvastatin levels; limit simvastatin to 20 mg/day when combined.
• Other Antihypertensives: When used with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or beta-blockers, there’s an additive hypotensive effect.
• Grapefruit Juice: May slightly increase amlodipine blood levels, though clinically insignificant for most patients.
• Clarithromycin & Erythromycin: May increase amlodipine plasma concentration and risk of hypotension.
• NSAIDs: May reduce the antihypertensive effect of amlodipine.
• Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus: Concurrent use may increase the concentration of these immunosuppressive agents.

Dosage of ACT 10

The dose of ACT 10 should be individualized based on patient response and medical condition:

• Usual Starting Dose: 5 mg once daily
• Maximum Dose: 10 mg once daily, which is the strength of ACT 10
• Elderly or Hepatic Impairment: May require lower starting doses (2.5 mg or 5 mg) due to reduced drug clearance
• For Hypertension: Typically starts at 5 mg and can be increased to 10 mg after 1–2 weeks if needed
• For Angina: 5–10 mg once daily depending on severity and patient tolerance
• Titration: Adjust dose based on clinical response and tolerability

Possible side effects of ACT 10

Amlodipine is generally well tolerated, but like any medication, it can cause side effects:

• Common Side Effects: Swelling of the ankles or feet (peripheral edema), dizziness, flushing, and fatigue
• Less Common: Nausea, abdominal pain, palpitations, and headache
• Rare but Serious: Hypotension (low blood pressure), heart rhythm abnormalities, allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
• Gynecomastia: Rare reports of breast enlargement in males with prolonged use
• Liver Function: Rare cases of elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis
• Reportable Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, or fainting should prompt immediate medical attention

ACT 10 Contraindications ACT 10

ACT 10 should not be used in the following scenarios:

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to amlodipine or other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers
• Severe Hypotension: Patients with a systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg
• Cardiogenic Shock: A condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs
• Unstable Angina: Especially in the early phase of treatment
• Aortic Stenosis: Severe narrowing of the aortic valve, where vasodilation may worsen the condition
• Advanced Hepatic Impairment: May affect drug metabolism and increase the risk of adverse effects

Storage of ACT 10

Proper storage ensures the medicine remains effective and safe for use:

• Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
• Keep in Blister: Retain tablets in the original blister pack until use to protect from moisture and light
• Avoid Humidity: Do not store in bathrooms or other humid environments
• Keep Away from Children: Store in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets
• Check Expiry: Do not use beyond the expiry date indicated on the packaging