What is Amlodipine-amiloride?
Amlodipine-amiloride, also known as Amvikor in some countries, is a fixed-dose combination medication. It consists of two active ingredients: amlodipine besylate (a calcium channel blocker) and amiloride hydrochloride (a potassium-sparing diuretic). This combination is primarily used to treat hypertension and edema associated with congestive heart failure or nephrotic syndrome. Amlodipine-amiloride helps to relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and retain potassium ions in the body, ultimately promoting better cardiovascular health.
What is Amlodipine-amiloride used for?
Amlodipine-amiloride, also known as the fixed-dose combination of amlodipine besylate and amiloride hydrochloride, is an antihypertensive medication used in the treatment of hypertension. This oral tablet combines the benefits of a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) with those of a potassium-sparing diuretic (amiloride). Amlodipine belongs to the class of dihydropyridines, which block the entry of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells. This action leads to vasodilation and subsequently results in decreased blood pressure and reduced myocardial oxygen demand.
The addition of amiloride, a potassium-sparing diuretic, enhances the therapeutic effects of amlodipine by countering potential increases in urinary potassium excretion. Amiloride works by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium ions in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidneys and promoting its excretion, which indirectly helps maintain a more favorable balance of potassium levels. By combining these two therapeutic agents into one fixed-dose tablet, healthcare providers can provide patients with an efficient treatment option for managing hypertension while minimizing potential side effects related to increased urinary potassium loss.
In clinical use, amlodipine-amiloride has been demonstrated to be effective in lowering blood pressure in both normotensive and hypertensive individuals. As such, it represents an attractive therapeutic choice for the long-term management of essential hypertension.
Amlodipine-amiloride side effects
- Dizziness
- Edema (swelling in hands or feet)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Abdominal discomfort
- Back pain
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Erythema multiforme (a skin condition)
- Facial flushing
- Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Increased urination
- Infrequent urination
- Muscle cramps
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Palpitations
- Sleep disturbances
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Disclaimer
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