Doctor, when you are prescribed a new medicine for high blood pressure, or as we all know it, "for pressure," sometimes you feel a little scared when you see the instructions that come with it, don't you? It's normal to feel a little nervous when you see the words on it and the details about the side effects. But don't worry. Today we are talking about a combination of two medicines called Amlodipine and Valsartan, which you may have been prescribed, or someone in your family may be using. Let's understand this simply and clearly.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Amlodipine: This belongs to the group called 'Calcium Channel Blocker'. This works by relaxing the walls of our blood vessels (blood vessels). Just as when a water pipe is widened, the pressure on the water decreases, when the blood vessels relax, the pressure on the blood, that is, the pressure, decreases.
2. Valsartan: This is a drug that belongs to the group of drugs called Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs). There is a chemical in our body that constricts and narrows the blood vessels. This drug works by blocking the action of that chemical.
So, these two medications work together to help control blood pressure in two ways. This is why doctors prescribe this medication as a treatment for high blood pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease: If you have had a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart conditions.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease, because the kidneys are very important in removing medication from the body.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Allergies: You must tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine (Amlodipine, Valsartan), other medicines, foods, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or suspect you may be pregnant . This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Also tell the doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Telling your doctor this information without hiding it is very important for your safety as well as the success of your treatment.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple, but it is very important to follow the instructions.
- This is a pill that you take by mouth. Make sure to take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor prescribed. For mornings, take it every morning, and for evenings, take it every evening. This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
- You can take this with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take the medicine with some food.
- Never stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor. If you stop taking your medication on your own, thinking your blood pressure has gone down, your blood pressure may suddenly increase, which can be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications, vitamins, or herbal products you may be taking may interact with this medicine. So tell your doctor about everything you are taking. Be especially careful of the following:
- Other blood pressure medications: Other blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors (e.g. Captopril, Enalapril).
- Painkillers: NSAID painkillers like Ibuprofen and Naproxen.
- Potassium: Potassium-containing supplements or salt substitutes.
- Diuretics: Some medications that remove water from the body.
- In addition, medications such as Aliskiren, Cyclosporine, Lithium, Rifampin, Ritonavir, Sildenafil, and Simvastatin may also interact with this.
So the best thing to do is to show the doctor a list of every medicine and vitamin you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Go to the clinic on the days your doctor tells you to check your progress. If you are checking your blood pressure at home, talk to your doctor about that as well, to find out what your blood pressure should be and when you should call your doctor .
- Dizziness: This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness in some people. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up suddenly: Especially if you are an elderly person, don't get up suddenly from sitting or lying down. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall. Get up slowly.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication. It can also increase dizziness. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol.
- Surgery: If you are having any surgery, be sure to tell the surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medication.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The two tables below will help you understand this more clearly.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness. |
| Chest Pain | Sudden chest pain. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Severe dizziness or lightheadedness | Feeling dizzy and fainting, falls. |
| Body swelling | Swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles. |
| Changes in urination | Difficulty urinating or decreased/changed urine output. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
|---|---|
| Headache | Cough |
| Stomach ache, bloating | Nausea, vomiting |
| Flushing | Feeling weak, tired |
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time every day. Do not stop taking it on your own for any reason.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially heart, kidney, or liver disease) and all other medications you are taking.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor before starting this medication.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or allergic symptoms while taking the medicine.
- Store pills safely in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children and pets.
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