Valcard 5/160mg

Valcard Tablets combine Amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) and Valsartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) to provide complementary blood pressure control in essential hypertension. This fixed-dose combination delivers additive antihypertensive effects, lowering blood pressure more effectively than either drug alone. Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels by blocking calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle cells, while Valsartan prevents angiotensin II from constricting blood vessels, reducing vascular resistance and cardiac workload.

Key Benefits:

• Superior blood pressure reduction through dual mechanism
• Once-daily dosing for convenient hypertension management
• Reduces risk of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients
• Suitable for patients not adequately controlled on monotherapy

How to Use

• Administration: Take orally with or without food.
• Dosage: One tablet daily, or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Consistency: Take at the same time each day to maintain steady blood pressure control.
• Follow Instructions: Swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew.
• Monitoring: Regular blood pressure checks recommended during treatment.

Expert Tips from CureCart Direct:

• Track your blood pressure at home and share readings with your doctor.
• Maintain a low-sodium diet, regular exercise, and weight management.
• Do not abruptly stop treatment without medical advice to avoid rebound hypertension.
• Inform your doctor of all medications to avoid interactions.
• Stay hydrated and report any swelling or dizziness immediately.

Primary Uses

• Treatment of essential hypertension in adults.
• Blood pressure control when monotherapy is insufficient.

Indications

Indicated for the management of hypertension, particularly in patients requiring combination therapy for adequate blood pressure reduction.

Side Effects

Common:

• Nasopharyngitis, influenza-like symptoms
• Headache, dizziness, fatigue, asthenia
• Peripheral edema, flushing, pitting edema

Less Common:

• Hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, hyperlipidemia
• Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation)
• Nervous system effects (paraesthesia, somnolence, vertigo)
• Musculoskeletal pain (arthralgia, back pain)
• Skin reactions (rash, erythema)

Serious/Rare:

• Angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or airways)
• Orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia
• Visual impairment, coordination abnormalities

Seek immediate medical attention for signs of allergic reactions, severe swelling, or breathing difficulties.

Warnings and Precautions

• Pregnancy: Always consult your physician; not recommended during pregnancy due to potential fetal risks.
• Lactation: Use only if clearly needed and under medical supervision.
• Driving: May cause dizziness; avoid operating machinery until effects are known.
• Renal Impairment: Use cautiously in patients with renal artery stenosis; monitor urea and creatinine levels.
• Hepatic Impairment: Contraindicated in severe cases, biliary cirrhosis, or cholestasis.
• Potassium Monitoring: Caution with potassium supplements, diuretics, or salt substitutes; frequent monitoring required.
• Hypertensive Crisis: Safety not established; seek emergency care.
• Angioedema Risk: Discontinue immediately if swelling occurs; do not restart.
• Other: Avoid grapefruit juice; monitor electrolytes and renal function regularly.

Contraindications

Do not use in:

• Known hypersensitivity to amlodipine, valsartan, dihydropyridine derivatives, or excipients.
• Severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis, or cholestasis.
• Pregnancy (consult physician).
• Concomitant use with aliskiren in diabetic patients.

Drug Interactions

• Antihypertensives: May enhance blood pressure lowering effects.
• Grapefruit Juice: Increases amlodipine levels; avoid consumption.
• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: (e.g., protease inhibitors, azole antifungals, macrolides, verapamil, diltiazem) – May increase amlodipine exposure.
• CYP3A4 Inducers: (e.g., rifampicin, St. John’s Wort) – May decrease efficacy.
• Simvastatin: Dose adjustment required; limit to 20mg daily.
• Lithium: Risk of toxicity; monitor levels.
• Potassium Agents: Supplements, diuretics, salt substitutes – Risk of hyperkalemia.
• NSAIDs: May reduce antihypertensive effect.
• Other: Rifampicin, cyclosporine, ritonavir, sildenafil – Potential for altered efficacy or side effects.

Always inform your doctor of all medications, supplements, and herbal products.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

FAQs

How does Valcard work? The combination provides additive effects: Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels, while Valsartan blocks angiotensin II to reduce vascular resistance.

When should I take it? Once daily, with or without food, at a consistent time for optimal control.

Can it cause swelling? Yes, peripheral edema is common with amlodipine; report severe or pitting edema to your doctor.

Is it safe with other blood pressure medications? May enhance effects; dose adjustments needed. Consult your physician.

What if I experience dizziness? Common initially; rise slowly from sitting/lying positions. Avoid driving if affected.

Does it affect potassium levels? Yes, monitor regularly, especially with potassium-rich diets or supplements.

Can I drink alcohol? Limit intake; may potentiate blood pressure lowering and dizziness.

What to do for missed dose? Take as soon as remembered unless near next dose; do not double up.

Related Tests: Blood pressure monitoring, renal function (creatinine, urea), electrolytes (potassium), liver function.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician before use. CureCart Direct ensures accurate details but cannot cover all interactions or precautions. Prices and availability subject to change.