Amlodipine & Losartan Tablets

What is Amlodipine & Losartan Tablets ?

1. Amlodipine:
   • Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing the workload on the heart.
   • It is usually taken orally in the form of a tablet.
   • Common brand names for amlodipine include Norvasc, Istin, and Amlo.
2. Losartan:
   • Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking the action of a hormone called angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
   • Like amlodipine, losartan is typically taken orally in the form of a tablet.
   • Common brand names for losartan include Cozaar and Hyzaar (which is a combination of losartan and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic).

Amlodipine and Losartan combination:

• Combining these medications can be more effective in treating high blood pressure than using them individually. This is because they target different mechanisms in the body to lower blood pressure.
• Amlodipine helps relax blood vessels while losartan blocks the effects of angiotensin II, resulting in further lowering of blood pressure.

Amlodipine & Losartan Tablets Uses

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):
  • Amlodipine and Losartan are often prescribed together in a single tablet to effectively manage high blood pressure.
  • Amlodipine helps to relax and widen the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. This reduces the pressure on the arterial walls.
  • Losartan, being an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), blocks the effects of a hormone called angiotensin II. This hormone can constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure.
• Combination Therapy:
  • Using both medications in combination can be more effective in controlling blood pressure compared to using them individually. This is because they work through different mechanisms to lower blood pressure.

Amlodipine & Losartan Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology

Amlodipine:

Mechanism of Action:

• Amlodipine is classified as a calcium channel blocker.
• It works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel walls and heart.
• By doing so, it relaxes and widens the arteries and arterioles, reducing the resistance to blood flow and making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
• This effect leads to a decrease in blood pressure.

Losartan:

Mechanism of Action:

• Losartan is classified as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
• It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
• Angiotensin II also stimulates the release of aldosterone, a hormone that can lead to salt and water retention, further elevating blood pressure.
• By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, losartan helps to relax blood vessels, reduce fluid retention, and lower blood pressure.

Combination Therapy:

The combination of Amlodipine and Losartan in a single tablet provides a dual approach to lowering blood pressure. Amlodipine’s calcium channel blocking action reduces vascular resistance, while Losartan’s inhibition of angiotensin II helps further relax blood vessels and block the hormone’s vasoconstrictive effects.

This combination therapy is often prescribed to patients with hypertension who require multiple mechanisms of action to effectively control their blood pressure.

Amlodipine & Losartan Tablets – Composition and Active Ingredients

• Amlodipine:
  • Typical dosage: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg per tablet
  • Amlodipine is usually present in its besylate salt form.
• Losartan:
  • Typical dosage: 50 mg or 100 mg per tablet
  • Losartan is typically present as the potassium salt

Amlodipine & Losartan Tablets – Side-effects

• Swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs (peripheral edema)
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under the skin)