Exforge Tablet 10mg / 160mg

About Exforge Tablet 10mg / 160mg

Exforge Tablet Uses

• Controls high blood pressure in adults who need a stronger combination dose
• Used when blood pressure is not adequately controlled on amlodipine or valsartan alone
• Helps manage resistant hypertension requiring maximum strength combination therapy
• Reduces long term cardiovascular strain from persistently high blood pressure

Exforge Tablet Benefits

• Combines two complementary blood pressure lowering mechanisms in one tablet
• Once daily dosing improves treatment adherence compared to taking two separate tablets
• May cause less ankle swelling than amlodipine alone at an equivalent dose
• Lowers the long term risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage linked to uncontrolled blood pressure

What Experts Say

Amlodipine blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, relaxing blood vessels and lowering resistance to blood flow. Valsartan blocks the angiotensin II AT1 receptor, preventing vasoconstriction and reducing aldosterone release. Together these mechanisms lower blood pressure more than either drug alone at a comparable dose.

Physicians reserve the 10mg / 160mg strength for patients whose blood pressure remains above target despite lower dose combination therapy or single drug treatment. The higher amlodipine dose provides stronger vasodilation for harder to control hypertension, while valsartan helps offset the fluid retention and ankle swelling amlodipine alone can cause at higher doses.

Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood potassium and blood pressure response is recommended after starting or increasing this combination, particularly in patients with reduced kidney function or those also taking diuretics. Caution is advised in volume depleted patients since the combined effect can cause a sharper initial blood pressure drop than either drug given separately.

Drug Class

• Calcium channel blocker (amlodipine besylate)
• Angiotensin II receptor blocker (valsartan)
• Fixed dose combination antihypertensive

Exforge Tablet 10mg / 160mg formula

• Amlodipine + Valsartan

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Exforge Tablet 10mg / 160mg?

• Take this tablet once daily at the same time each day, with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water and do not crush or split it.
• Continue taking it regularly even when you feel well, since it controls blood pressure rather than curing it.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose.

Drug Interactions

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac): Regular use can reduce the blood pressure lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Potassium sparing diuretics and potassium supplements: Can raise blood potassium to unsafe levels when combined with valsartan.
• Lithium: Blood lithium levels can rise, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity, levels should be monitored closely.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir): Can raise amlodipine blood levels and increase the risk of side effects.
• Simvastatin: Amlodipine raises simvastatin blood levels, the simvastatin dose is usually limited to 20mg daily when combined.
• Other blood pressure medicines or diuretics: Combined use can cause an additive drop in blood pressure.
• Grapefruit juice: Can increase amlodipine absorption and raise the risk of side effects.

Risks and warnings

• Pregnancy risk: Can cause fetal harm or death if taken during pregnancy, stop the medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
• Low blood pressure: May cause a noticeable drop in blood pressure, especially after the first dose or in patients who are dehydrated or on diuretics.
• Kidney function changes: Can affect kidney function, particularly in patients with existing kidney disease, narrowed kidney arteries or heart failure.
• High potassium levels: May raise blood potassium, especially when combined with potassium supplements or potassium sparing diuretics.
• Ankle and leg swelling: The higher 10mg amlodipine dose carries a greater chance of dose related peripheral edema than lower strengths.
• Angioedema: Rare but serious swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat requires immediate medical attention.
• Liver impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver disease, since drug clearance may be reduced.

Exforge Tablet 10mg / 160mg Side Effects

• Swelling of the ankles, feet or legs (peripheral edema)
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Flushing or a warm feeling in the face
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Nasal congestion or flu like symptoms
• Nausea
• Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as facial or throat swelling and difficulty breathing
• Signs of kidney problems such as reduced urination or unusual swelling
• Severe dizziness or fainting from a sharp drop in blood pressure

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack until the dose is due.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Avoid storing in the bathroom or near sources of heat and moisture.