ACT 5 Capsules (Hard Gelatin)

What is ACT 5

ACT 5 is a prescription medication containing 5 mg of Amlodipine besilate per capsule. It is classified as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) and is primarily used to treat:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Helps lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
• Chronic Stable Angina: Alleviates chest pain by improving blood flow to the heart.
• Vasospastic (Prinzmetal’s) Angina: Prevents chest pain caused by coronary artery spasms.

By relaxing blood vessels, Amlodipine facilitates easier blood flow, thereby reducing the heart's workload and oxygen demand.

How to use ACT 5

To ensure optimal effectiveness and minimize potential side effects:

• Dosage: Take one 5 mg capsule once daily, preferably at the same time each day.
• Administration: Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew.
• With or Without Food: ACT 5 can be taken regardless of meals.
• Consistency: Maintain regular intake; do not skip doses even if you feel well.
• Missed Dose: If missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it's close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Avoid Grapefruit: Grapefruit and its juice can increase Amlodipine levels, leading to potential side effects.
• Alcohol Caution: Alcohol may enhance blood pressure-lowering effects, increasing dizziness risk.

Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Mode of Action ACT 5

Amlodipine functions by inhibiting calcium ion influx through L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle:

• Vasodilation: Relaxes arterial smooth muscles, leading to decreased peripheral vascular resistance and lower blood pressure.
• Reduced Cardiac Workload: By lowering afterload, it decreases the heart's oxygen demand.
• Coronary Artery Dilation: Enhances blood flow in coronary arteries, beneficial in angina treatment.
• Long Half-Life: With a half-life of 30–50 hours, it allows for once-daily dosing and steady blood levels.

This mechanism ensures effective blood pressure control and angina prevention.

ACT 5 Interactions ACT 5

Amlodipine can interact with various medications, potentially altering its efficacy or increasing side effects:

• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Drugs like ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir can increase Amlodipine levels, leading to enhanced effects and side effects.
• Simvastatin: Concurrent use may increase the risk of muscle-related side effects; limit simvastatin to 20 mg/day.
• Other Antihypertensives: Combining with other blood pressure medications can lead to additive hypotensive effects.
• Macrolide Antibiotics: Erythromycin and clarithromycin may elevate Amlodipine levels, increasing hypotension risk.
• Immunosuppressants: Drugs like cyclosporine and tacrolimus may have increased levels when taken with Amlodipine.
• Grapefruit Juice: Can raise Amlodipine plasma concentrations, enhancing its effects and side effects.

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you're taking.

Dosage of ACT 5

The appropriate dosage of ACT 5 depends on the patient's condition and response:

• Adults: Start with 5 mg once daily; may increase to 10 mg daily based on response.
• Elderly or Hepatic Impairment: Initiate at lower doses (e.g., 2.5 mg) due to slower drug metabolism.
• Children (6–17 years): Starting dose is 2.5 mg once daily; maximum recommended dose is 5 mg daily.

Dose adjustments should be made under medical supervision, considering efficacy and tolerability.

Possible side effects of ACT 5

While Amlodipine is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects:

• Common: Headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and flushing.
• Peripheral Edema: Swelling of ankles or feet due to fluid accumulation; occurs in about 16% of users. Management includes leg elevation and possibly adjusting the dosing time turn0news12.
• Serious: Rapid heartbeat, chest pain, severe dizziness, or fainting. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing require urgent care.

Report any persistent or severe side effects to your healthcare provider promptly.

ACT 5 Contraindications ACT 5

ACT 5 should not be used in the following situations:

• Allergy: Known hypersensitivity to Amlodipine or other dihydropyridine derivatives.
• Severe Hypotension: Systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg.
• Cardiogenic Shock: A condition where the heart cannot supply enough blood to the body.
• Severe Aortic Stenosis: Narrowing of the aortic valve can lead to collapse with vasodilators.
• Unstable Angina: Excluding variant angina, as Amlodipine may worsen the condition turn0search13.
• Heart Failure Post-Myocardial Infarction: Use with caution due to potential for pulmonary edema.

Consult your doctor before starting ACT 5 to ensure it's appropriate for your condition.

Storage of ACT 5

Proper storage of ACT 5 ensures its effectiveness and safety:

• Temperature: Store at room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
• Moisture: Keep in a dry place; avoid storing in bathrooms or areas with high humidity.
• Light: Protect from light; store in the original packaging until use.
• Children and Pets: Keep out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Expiry: Do not use beyond the expiration date indicated on the packaging.

Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions and consult your pharmacist if unsure.