AV-Sartan 10 mg/ 160 mg

Description

Av-Sartan Tablets combine amlodipine besilate (10mg) and valsartan (160mg) to manage hypertension in Pakistan, where high blood pressure is common due to stress, diet, or genetic factors. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, and valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, work together to lower blood pressure more effectively than either alone. Available in strips of 7 tablets, it’s prescription-only, widely found in pharmacies across Lahore, Karachi, and smaller cities, priced around Rs. 100-150 per strip, subject to DRAP-regulated pricing.

How It Functions

Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels by blocking calcium entry into smooth muscle cells, reducing vascular resistance. Valsartan blocks angiotensin II receptors, preventing vessel constriction and fluid retention. Together, they lower blood pressure additively. Chemically, amlodipine is 3-ethyl 5-methyl 2-(2-aminoethoxymethyl)-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate benzenesulfonate; valsartan is N-(1-oxopentyl)-N-[[2’-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)[1,1’-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-L-valine. Effects start within hours, stabilizing over weeks.

Dosage Information

Typically, one tablet (10mg amlodipine/160mg valsartan) daily for adults, taken orally with or without food. Dose adjustments depend on blood pressure response, kidney function, or age, with a max of one tablet daily. Not for children due to limited data. Administered under medical supervision, often with lifestyle changes like low-salt diets common in Pakistan.

Side Effects

• Very Common (>1 in 10): Nasopharyngitis, influenza, headache, edema (facial, peripheral, or pitting), flushing, fatigue.
• Common (up to 1 in 10): Hypokalemia, asthenia, hot flush, dizziness, postural dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence, visual impairment, vertigo, palpitations, tachycardia, orthostatic. hypotension, cough, throat pain, abdominal discomfort, upper abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, erythema, rash, arthralgia, back pain, joint swelling.
• Rare: Anorexia, hypercalcemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, hyponatremia, coordination issues.

Drug Interactions

May interact with:

• Other antihypertensives: Amplifies blood pressure drop.
• Grapefruit/juice: Boosts amlodipine levels.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, verapamil): Increases drug levels.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin): Lowers drug efficacy.
• Simvastatin: Raises muscle risk.
• Lithium: Increases toxicity.
• Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes: Elevates potassium.
• NSAIDs: May reduce effect or harm kidneys.
• Sildenafil: Enhances blood pressure lowering.

Indications

Approved for treating essential hypertension in adults, reducing blood pressure to prevent heart or kidney complications.

When Not to Use

Avoid in:

• Hypersensitivity to amlodipine, valsartan, dihydropyridines, or excipients.
• Severe liver impairment, biliary cirrhosis, or cholestasis.
• Severe renal impairment or dialysis without medical clearance.

Precautions

• Use cautiously in renal artery stenosis (unilateral/bilateral) or single kidney; monitor blood urea/creatinine.
• Check kidney function in elderly or those with heart failure.
• Avoid in pregnancy, especially second/third trimesters, due to fetal risks.
• Breastfeeding: Consult physician; valsartan may pass into milk.
• Monitor for angioedema signs; discontinue if swelling occurs.
• Buy from DRAP-registered pharmacies; verify holograms to avoid counterfeits.

Warnings

• Potassium supplements, diuretics, or heparin: Monitor potassium levels frequently.
• Hypertensive crisis: Safety/efficacy of amlodipine unestablished.
• Angioedema: Stop immediately if face/lip/throat swelling occurs; do not restart.
• Heart failure: Risk of low blood pressure or kidney issues; adjust dose carefully.

Additional Notes

• Pregnancy Category: Consult physician; avoid in later trimesters due to fetal harm risk.
• Availability: Common in urban and rural pharmacies; generics like Amval or Valsar available.
• Reporting: Record batch numbers for side effects; report to DRAP for quality control.

Doctor Review

Cardiologists in Pakistan note Av-Sartan’s dual action effectively controls hypertension, especially in patients with resistant cases or diabetes, common in urban centers like Islamabad. DRAP data supports its use with diet tweaks, but doctors stress regular kidney and potassium checks to avoid complications.

Disclaimer

This is general product information, not a prescription or medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for personal guidance.