Amlodipine/Valsartan Novartis (Valsartan And Amlodipine Besilate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Amlodipine/Valsartan Novartis Used For?
Amlodipine/Valsartan Novartis is a combination blood pressure medication that contains two active ingredients working together to control high blood pressure more effectively than either medication alone.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to control high blood pressure (hypertension) in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with either amlodipine or valsartan taken separately.
How It Works
The medication works in two ways: Valsartan blocks the effect of angiotensin II, a substance that tightens blood vessels and raises blood pressure. When blocked, blood vessels relax and blood pressure decreases. Amlodipine besilate blocks calcium movement into heart and blood vessel cells, causing them to relax, which increases blood and oxygen supply to the heart while reducing its workload.
Good to know: People with high blood pressure often feel well and don’t notice any signs of the problem, so it’s important to keep taking this medication even when you feel fine.
How to Take Amlodipine/Valsartan Novartis
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is one tablet daily, taken at the same time each day to help you remember.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one tablet daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose higher or lower depending on how you respond to treatment. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food, but take it the same way every day for best results. Continue taking until your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel well.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this could cause dangerously low blood pressure.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Persistent ringing in ears
- Dizziness or spinning sensation
- Tiredness or difficulty sleeping
- Diarrhea, constipation, or gas
- Muscle or joint pain
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- Dry cough, sore throat, hoarse voice
- Runny or blocked nose
- Skin blistering
- Feeling anxious or sad
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Sexual function problems
- Breast enlargement in men
- Unusual hair loss or thinning
- Ankle, feet, or hand swelling
- Weight gain
- Frequent urination
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue, breathing difficulties)
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath with leg/feet swelling
- Severe tiredness with exercise intolerance and pale appearance
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Constant flu-like symptoms (chills, fever, sore throat, joint aches, mouth sores, swollen glands)
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Liver disease signs (nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine)
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before taking this medication. Always inform your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions and medications.
Who Should Not Take Amlodipine/Valsartan Novartis
Do not take if you are allergic to valsartan, amlodipine besilate, or dihydropyridines; if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; if you have severe kidney disease or are on dialysis; if you have liver problems caused by bile duct blockage or other severe liver problems; if you have cholestasis (reduced or stopped bile flow); or if you are taking other blood pressure medications containing aliskiren and have type 2 diabetes.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have severe kidney problems or kidney transplant, liver problems, heart problems including obstructed blood flow or enlarged heart septum, primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome), previous swelling of face and throat while taking ACE inhibitors or aliskiren, or if you’re experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or taking diuretics.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take during pregnancy as it could affect your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, tell your doctor immediately. For breastfeeding, consult your doctor about risks and benefits, as it’s unknown if the medication passes into breast milk.
Pregnancy Warning: This medication must not be used during pregnancy and can harm your unborn baby. Use effective contraception and contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Amlodipine/Valsartan Novartis, potentially affecting how it works or increasing side effects. Always inform your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice as it can affect how amlodipine is processed in your body.
- Other blood pressure medications including diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, aliskiren, and beta blockers
- Simvastatin (cholesterol medication) – dose may need reduction
- Antibiotics (rifamycins), anti-rejection drugs (cyclosporin), antiretrovirals (ritonavir)
- Potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium
- Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, fosphenytoin, primidone)
- Rifampicin, St. John’s wort
- Nitroglycerin and other nitrates or vasodilators
- HIV/AIDS medications (ritonavir) or antifungal medications (ketoconazole)
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs, Cox-2 inhibitors)
- Intravenous dantrolene for malignant hyperthermia
Alcohol & Driving
This medication can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol. Take precautions to ensure your safety and that of others.
Alcohol
While not specifically mentioned in the source, consult your doctor about alcohol consumption as blood pressure medications can enhance alcohol’s effects.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medication can cause tiredness, sleepiness, or dizziness. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery if you experience these symptoms. Be careful when getting up from sitting or lying positions, as dizziness can occur. Get up slowly and flex your leg muscles to improve blood flow.
Storage
Keep tablets in their original container until ready to take. Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C (room temperature), away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, rapid shallow breathing, cold clammy skin, and faster than normal heartbeat due to dangerously low blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication begins working to lower blood pressure, but you may not feel any different since high blood pressure often has no symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure to determine how well the medication is working.
Yes, you can take it with or without food, but it works best if you always take it the same way every day – either always with food or always without food.
Continue taking this medication until your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it on your own, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms but still needs treatment.
No, avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice as it can affect how amlodipine is processed in your body.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Yes, dizziness is a common side effect. Be careful when getting up from sitting or lying positions. Get up slowly and flex your leg muscles to improve blood flow. Don’t drive if you feel dizzy.
Yes, always remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist that you’re taking Amlodipine/Valsartan Novartis, especially if you’re having surgery, as it may affect other medications you receive.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.