Amlokind-2.5 Tablet

Amlokind 2.5 mg tablets is an anti-hypertensive medicine that belongs to the group of calcium channel blockers. It is used to control high blood pressure and relieve chest pain.

Amlokind tablets should be used cautiously in the elderly. This medicine should not be used by women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Keep this medicine away from children.

Dosage

Overdose

• An overdose of Amlokind 2.5 mg tablets can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure due to dilatation of the blood vessels and raised heartbeats. Reduced blood pressure (Hypotension) for a longer period can be life-threatening.

Missed a Dose

It is advised not to miss a single dosage. However, if you have missed it, consume it immediately. If it's already time for the next dose, skip the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Smooth muscles of the heart contract in the presence of calcium ions. This medicine interferes with the transport of calcium ions across the membranes of the heart and blood vessels. As a result of low calcium ions, the smooth muscle of the heart does not contract. These dilated vessels reduce the pressure in the vessels. Thus, it acts by reducing the tension in the vessels and load on the heart.

Directions for Use

Take Amlokind 2.5 mg tablets as directed by the doctor. Preferably take the tablet at the same time every day. Do not crush or break the tablet. Take the tablet as a whole with a glass of water. Do not take any medicine that has passed the expiry date.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Amlokind 2.5 mg tablet during pregnancy?

Amlokind 2.5 mg tablet is not recommended to be used during pregnancy as there is limited information available about the medicine being used in pregnant women. It is advised that you should consult your doctor and opt for a safer alternative medicine. In case you become pregnant while you are on this medicine, please inform your doctor immediately so that he/she suggests a safer alternative medicine that might not harm the developing foetus.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Amlokind 2.5 mg tablet while breastfeeding?

It is not clear whether the medicine passes through the breastmilk. However, it is not recommended during breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Amlokind 2.5 mg tablet?

Amlokind 2.5 mg tablets can cause dizziness which may hamper your ability to drive and operate complex machinery. Hence, you should avoid driving while you are taking this medicine.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Amlokind 2.5 mg tablets?

Alcohol is known to increase blood pressure and also increase your risk for fatal heart-related disorders. Hence, it is better to avoid consuming alcohol while on this medicine. In addition, alcohol can interact and lead to dizziness. So it is best avoided.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are allergic to the active ingredient amlodipine.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have recently suffered from a heart attack.
• You are experiencing chest pain.
• You are suffering from a serious liver disorder.
• You are suffering from a severe kidney-related disorder.
• You tend to blood pressure dropping low.
• You are suffering from a valve-related disorder of the heart (severe aortic stenosis).
• You are suffering from advanced stages of heart failure.
• You are elderly. Dosage adjustment should be done carefully.
• This medicine should not be administered to children.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to amlodipine.
• If you are suffering from low blood pressure.
• If you have suffered from a heart attack.
• If you are suffering from advanced stages of heart failure.
• If you have a low blood supply to the body by the heart (cardiogenic shock).
• If you are suffering from constriction of the aorta heart valve (aortic stenosis).

Side effects

• Allergic reaction
• Increased heartbeats
• Swelling of feet
• Heartburn
• Headache, nausea and dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Fatigue
• Severe drop in blood pressure

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Concomitant use of clarithromycin and amlodipine should be avoided as there is a chance of blood pressure dropping too low.
• Co-administration of medicines like protease inhibitors, azole antifungals, antibiotics like erythromycin, verapamil or diltiazem along with amlodipine, may affect the way the body eliminates amlodipine.
• Administering amlodipine along with antibiotic medicine rifampicin may lead to faster elimination of amlodipine from the body.
• There is a risk of increased tacrolimus (medicine used to modify the immune system) blood levels when co-administered with amlodipine.
• Amlodipine decreases the elimination of lipid-lowering medications like simvastatin.
• Discuss with your doctor any other medicines, herbal preparations and supplements you are taking currently to avoid any possible interactions.

Interactions with food items

• It is noted that grapefruit and its juice can cause a drastic fall in blood pressure. Hence, it needs to be avoided if you are taking Amlokind 2.5 mg tablets.

Other general Interactions

It interacts with patients suffering from liver disease by accumulating an increased quantity of this medicine.

Storage and disposal

Store it at room temperature and away from light, heat and moisture. Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the preferred time to take Amlokind 2.5mg tablets?

It is not affected by the time you consume. However, you should take it at the same time each day.

What should I inform the doctor before consuming Amlokind 2.5mg tablets?

• Inform your healthcare provider in detail about any medical condition you have, including pregnancy or breastfeeding. Also,
• inform if you are consuming any medications.

How should I store and dispose of this medicine?

This medicine should be kept away from children, moisture and heat. Keep it tightly enclosed in the container it came in. Dispose of unwanted medicines in such a way that pets, children or anyone else cannot consume them. There are medicine take-back programs. Talk to your pharmacist or garbage/ recycling department about it.

What are the other things that I have to take care of?

Get your regular check-up done by the doctor to check for the response of your blood pressure to Amlokind 2.5mg tablets. Your medicine should not be consumed by anyone else. Keep a list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, minerals, herbal and dietary supplements you take and carry it along with you whenever you visit a doctor.

Can I stop taking this antihypertensive medicine suddenly?

Abruptly stopping this medicine may worsen your chest pain or high blood pressure. Hence, don't stop it if you are taking this medicine for a longer period. Your doctor may help reduce the dosage and slowly stop the medicine if possible.

Can I have coffee while consuming Amlokind 2.5mg tablets?

Coffee can affect the outcome of this medicine. However, those who regularly drink coffee do not show any change in blood pressure.