Cardipin Plus 10pcs

Amlodipine & Atenolol is indicated in:

• Hypertension not controlled by monotherapy
• Angina pectoris & hypertension co-existing diseases
• Post MI patients
• Refractory angina pectoris where nitrate therapy has failed

Combined antihypertensive preparations

Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle; it has a greater effect on vascular muscle than on cardiac muscle. Amlodipine is a peripheral vasodilator that acts directly on vascular smooth muscle to cause a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and reduction in blood pressure. Amlodipine reduces tone, decreases coronary vasoreactivity and lowers cardiac demand by reducing afterload.

Atenolol is a cardio selective beta blocker. The cardio selectivity is dose related. Atenolol causes a reduction in blood pressure by lowering cardiac output, decreasing the plasma renin activity and sympathetic outflow from CNS. Atenolol also causes a reduction in myocardial oxygen demand by virtue of its negative inotropic and negative chronotropic effects.

The recommended dosage is one tablet daily of (Amlodipine 5 mg & Atenolol 50 mg) or (Amlodipine 5 mg & Atenolol 25 mg). Depending upon the therapeutic response, titration of the dosage is recommended. In elderly patients, it is advisable to initiate the therapy with ½ tablet of fixed dose combination of Amlodipine & Atenolol (i.e. 2.5 mg of Amlodipine & 25 mg Atenolol).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to either component, sinus bradycardia, second and higher degrees of heart block, cardiogenic shock, hypotension, congestive heart failure, poor left ventricular function.

The combination of Amlodipine and Atenolol is well tolerated. Overall side effects include fatigue, headache, edema, nausea, drowsiness, anxiety and depression.

Atenolol crosses the placenta. So it is contraindicated in pregnancy. It should be avoided during lactation.

Atenolol may mask the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It may also mask the symptoms of hypoglycaemia, as well as enhance the effects of hypoglycaemic agents in patients with diabetes mellitus.