Amlodipine + Losartan
Introduction To Amlodipine + Losartan
Amlodipine + Losartan contains two medicines, both of which help to control high blood pressure. It lowers the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This will reduce your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.
Amlodipine + Losartan may be taken on an empty stomach or along with food. However, it is better to take it regularly at a fixed time each day, as prescribed by your doctor. The dose will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. It's important to keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. By lowering your blood pressure, it is reducing your risk of heart attack or stroke so do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. You can help this medication work better by making a few changes to your lifestyle such as keeping active, stopping smoking, and eating a low salt and low-fat diet.
The most common side effects of this medicine include swelling in your ankles or feet (edema), headache, sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, taste change, and upset stomach. Since it may cause sleepiness and dizziness, do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you. Talk to your doctor if any of the side effects bother you or will not go away.
Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any kidney or liver problems or severe dehydration. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. While using this medicine, your blood pressure will need to be checked often and your kidney function may also need to be tested.
Uses of Amlodipine + Losartan
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Benefits of Amlodipine + Losartan
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Both of the medicines in this combination work to lower blood pressure but in
different ways. Together they help to relax blood vessels and make it easier
for your heart to pump blood around your body. This lowers blood pressure. If
your blood pressure is controlled you are less at risk of having a heart
attack, stroke, or kidney problems. The medicine must be taken regularly as
prescribed to be effective. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from
taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well.
Side effects of Amlodipine + Losartan
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Ralisart AM
- Sleepiness
- Ankle swelling
- Headache
- Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Increased potassium level in blood
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Edema (swelling)
- Abdominal pain
- Visual disturbance
- Breathlessness
- Change in bowel habits
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Upper respiratory tract infection
How to use Amlodipine + Losartan
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Amlodipine + Losartan may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Amlodipine + Losartan works
Amlodipine + Losartan is a combination of two medicines: Losartan and Amlodipine which lower blood pressure effectively. Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). They work by relaxing the blood vessels and making the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.
Quick tips
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Amlodipine + Losartan is a combination of two medicines that provides better blood pressure control than either medicine alone.
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Amlodipine + Losartan may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
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It may cause you to feel lightheaded or weak especially when you stand up. Rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
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Avoid consuming alcohol as it may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect of this medicine.
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It can cause ankle or foot swelling. Raise your legs while you are sitting down and talk to your doctor if it does not go away.
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Do not take Amlodipine + Losartan if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Amlodipine + Losartan if I’m pregnant?
Amlodipine + Losartan is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Amlodipine + Losartan if I’m breastfeeding?
Amlodipine + Losartan is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Amlodipine + Losartan safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Amlodipine + Losartan.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Amlodipine + Losartan?
Amlodipine + Losartan may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Amlodipine + Losartan may cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or tiredness, all of which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Amlodipine + Losartan if I have/had kidney diseases?
Amlodipine + Losartan is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Amlodipine + Losartan is recommended.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Amlodipine + Losartan if I have/had liver diseases?
Amlodipine + Losartan should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Amlodipine + Losartan may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Amlodipine + Losartan is started at a lower dose in patients with liver disease and further increased slowly with careful monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are there any special instructions regarding the storage and disposal of this medicine?
Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.
Q. Can I feel dizzy after taking Amlodipine + Losartan?
Yes, the use of Amlodipine + Losartan can make you feel dizzy. This may occur when you suddenly rise up from a lying or sitting position. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
Q. Can I use Amlodipine + Losartan in pregnancy?
No, Amlodipine + Losartan should be avoided in pregnancy. Its use can cause injury and even endanger the baby. If you conceive while using Amlodipine + Losartan, stop using it and contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will recommend to you other ways to lower the blood pressure.
Q. What are some of the lifestyle changes I should make while using Amlodipine + Losartan?
Lifestyle changes play a major role in keeping you healthy if you are taking Amlodipine + Losartan. Avoid taking excess salt in your diet and find ways to reduce or manage stress in your life. Practice yoga or meditation or take up a hobby. Ensure that you have a sound sleep every night as this also helps to reduce stress levels and helps to keep your blood pressure normal. Stop smoking and alcohol consumption as this helps in lowering your blood pressure and preventing heart problems. Exercise regularly and take a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and fat-free products. Consult your doctor if you need any further guidance to get the maximum benefit of Amlodipine + Losartan and to keep yourself healthy.
Q. Can I stop taking Amlodipine + Losartan if I feel well?
No, do not stop the medication without consulting with the doctor. It should be used strictly as advised by your doctor, even if you feel well. Stopping Amlodipine + Losartan suddenly may lead to serious complications such as heart attack and stroke.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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