AMVASC 2.5mg Capsules (Hard Gelatin)

What is AMVASC 2.5mg

AMVASC 2.5mg is a prescription medicine containing the active ingredient Amlodipine, which belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It is primarily used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). Lowering blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems, while treating angina improves oxygen supply to the heart, reducing the frequency of chest pain episodes.

• Generic Name: Amlodipine
• Form: Hard gelatin capsules
• Main Uses: Management of hypertension and prevention of angina attacks.
• Specialty: Ideal for patients who require a lower starting dose due to sensitivity, elderly patients, or those with liver impairment.

AMVASC 2.5mg provides gentle but effective blood pressure control with once-daily dosing, promoting better patient compliance and improved cardiovascular outcomes.

How to use AMVASC 2.5mg

Proper usage of AMVASC 2.5mg ensures optimal therapeutic benefits and minimizes side effects:

• Administration: Take orally with a glass of water, with or without food.
• Dosage Timing: Preferably taken at the same time each day to maintain steady drug levels.
• Swallowing Instructions: Do not crush, chew, or break the capsule; swallow it whole.
• Missed Dose: Take as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.

Patients should not discontinue AMVASC 2.5mg suddenly without consulting a healthcare provider, as abrupt cessation can worsen underlying conditions like hypertension or angina.

Mode of Action AMVASC 2.5mg

AMVASC 2.5mg works through several critical physiological actions:

• Calcium Channel Blockade: It inhibits the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells, which is essential for muscle contraction.
• Vasodilation: Promotes relaxation and widening of blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance.
• Reduced Cardiac Oxygen Demand: Lowers the heart’s workload and oxygen requirement, beneficial in managing angina.
• Enhanced Coronary Perfusion: Improves blood flow through coronary arteries, supporting heart health especially during exertion.

Through these mechanisms, AMVASC 2.5mg not only controls hypertension but also protects against cardiovascular complications.

AMVASC 2.5mg Interactions AMVASC 2.5mg

Drug interactions can alter the effects of AMVASC 2.5mg, making it important to review concurrent medications:

• Other Antihypertensives: Additive blood pressure-lowering effects when used with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, or diuretics.
• Simvastatin: Amlodipine can increase Simvastatin levels; limiting the Simvastatin dose is advisable.
• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Agents like ketoconazole or erythromycin may enhance Amlodipine’s effects and side effects.
• CYP3A4 Inducers: Rifampicin and similar drugs may lower Amlodipine blood levels, decreasing effectiveness.
• Grapefruit Juice: May increase blood concentrations of Amlodipine, enhancing the risk of side effects.

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including OTC drugs and supplements, when being prescribed AMVASC 2.5mg.

Dosage of AMVASC 2.5mg

The dosage of AMVASC 2.5mg is tailored according to the patient’s clinical condition and response to therapy:

• Starting Dose: 2.5mg once daily, especially suitable for elderly patients or those with hepatic impairment.
• Adjustment: Dosage can be gradually increased based on blood pressure or angina control, typically to 5mg or 10mg once daily.
• Special Populations: In pediatric patients (6–17 years old), the effective dose range is typically 2.5mg to 5mg daily.

Any dosage adjustments should be made cautiously under the supervision of a healthcare provider to avoid risks such as hypotension or worsening heart function.

Possible side effects of AMVASC 2.5mg

Like all medications, AMVASC 2.5mg may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them:

• Common Side Effects: Edema (swelling), fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and flushing.
• Less Common Side Effects: Abdominal pain, nausea, somnolence (sleepiness), and visual disturbances.
• Rare Serious Effects: Low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), or exacerbation of angina or myocardial infarction.

Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness occur.

AMVASC 2.5mg Contraindications AMVASC 2.5mg

Use of AMVASC 2.5mg is contraindicated under certain conditions:

• Hypersensitivity: Patients allergic to Amlodipine or any capsule ingredients should not use this medication.
• Severe Hypotension: Patients with very low blood pressure should avoid Amlodipine.
• Shock: Particularly cardiogenic shock (where the heart cannot supply enough blood to the body).
• Severe Aortic Stenosis: May worsen symptoms due to fixed cardiac output limitations.

It is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s cardiovascular status before initiating AMVASC 2.5mg.

Storage of AMVASC 2.5mg

Proper storage conditions maintain the effectiveness and safety of AMVASC 2.5mg:

• Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Moisture Control: Keep the capsules in a dry place, protected from moisture.
• Light Protection: Store in original blister packaging to shield from light exposure.
• Child Safety: Keep out of reach and sight of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Disposal: Dispose of any unused or expired capsules responsibly, following local pharmaceutical disposal guidelines.

Ensuring proper storage preserves the medication's potency and ensures patient safety throughout its intended use period.