Drug trade name- Exforge
Category- Antihypertensive drug
Generic name- Amlodipine and Valsartan
Introduction and Quick Information about Exforge:
Exforge is actually a combination of two effective medicines called valsartan and amlodipine. Amlodipine is included in the class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. This medication has the ability to relax the muscles of the blood vessels and heart. Valsartan is included in the group of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. This drug can keep the blood vessels from narrowing, thereby reducing the blood pressure and improving the blood flow. Exforge can be used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Exforge is generally given when other treatments are failed to treat hypertension.
Amlodipine is one of the effective calcium channel blockers, which can block the transfer of calcium to the smooth muscle cells which line certain arteries of the body including coronary arteries. Clogging the calcium transport helps in relaxing the muscles surrounding arteries as they dilate the arteries. The dilation of arteries leads to reduction of blood pressure.
Valsartan is included in the class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Normally, angiotensin binds to angiotensin receptor, result in the narrowing of the blood vessels, which increases the blood pressure (hypertension). By clogging the action and functioning of angiotensin, valsartan minimizes the blood pressure and dilates the blood vessels.
Amlodipine and Valsartan have their own mechanism of action to treat high blood pressure patient. The combination of both give better result than individual drug.
Is Exforge Approved by FDA?
Yes, FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved Exforge in June 2007 for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).
Usage and Benefits of Exforge:
Exforge is actually a prescription drug which is licensed to treat high blood pressure or hypertension. It contain two medicines i.e. amlodipine and valsartan.
Treatment of high blood pressure (including Exforge) can reduce the chances of developing health complications such as a heart disease, stroke, or congestive heart failure which can be occurred due to long-term high blood pressure. Proper diet and exercise are also very essential when it comes to controlling high blood pressure.
Being a combination drug, Exforge was previously approved as a treatment only for those individuals who did not respond properly to just one medicine. But now, Exforge is proven to be one of the first-line medications for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Exforge Side Effects:
As with a majority of medicines, minor to severe side effects are possible with Exforge (amlodipine and valsartan). However, not each and every person who takes this drug will encounter side effects. Many people act wisely and pay proper attention to Exforge dose. This is the best way to avoid missed dose as well as overdose consequences. In many cases, the side effects are so minor that people can tolerate them without any further treatment. However, you should inform your doctor in case you find anything unusual or any of the below-mentioned side effects:
- Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- rapid weight gain
- tingling of the hands or feet
- nausea
- sweating
General Recommended Dosages of Exforge:
You have to use this drug in the precise amounts the way your doctor has prescribed to you. Never take in smaller or larger quantity or for more than the prescribed time. Follow all the directions carefully.
Your healthcare provider may change Exforge dose occasionally to ensure that you will always get the positive outcome.
You may take Exforge with or without food. Also, drink one complete glass of water i.e. 8 ounces while taking this medication.
Your medical practitioner may ask you to have your blood pressure properly checked and monitored. The functioning of your kidney will require being checked with proper blood tests. Therefore, prefer to pay proper visits to your doctor regularly.
In case you are undergoing any type of surgery or kidney dialysis, then inform the doctor beforehand that you are taking Exforge medication.
Keep on taking Exforge dose as directed, even if you feel that you are all right now. Store this drug away from moisture and heat. Keep at room temperature.
In case I Miss my Dose?
Many people face discomforts as well as complications due to their inattentiveness and negligence about the Exforge. By taking your drugs on the prescribed time, you can actually keep many difficulties away. This is the best way to ward off many unnecessary side effects. But still, if you forget to take Exforge, just take it the moment you remember it. In case the time has come to take the next scheduled dose, just miss the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule.
In case I Take Overdose?
Exforge overdose can be injurious to your overall health. Some common symptoms of Exforge overdose include tingling or warmth, slow or fast heartbeat, feeling faint or light-headed. It is advisable to seek emergency medical help if you find any of these side effects.
Drug Interactions of Exforge:
For safely use of Exforge every time, you need to be careful about the other drugs, which can interact with this treatment and make the condition worse. Some of these drugs are:
- ACE inhibitors like Benazepril(Lotensin), Enalapril (Vasotec), Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil), Fosinopril (Monopril), Quinapril (Accupril), Captopril (Capoten),
- Alcohol
- Amiloride-HCTZ(Moduretic) or Amiloride (Midamor)
- Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxin)
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) like Candesartan (Atacand), Losartan (Cozaar), Azilsartan (Edarbi), Valsartan (Diovan), Olmesartan (Benicar), Eprosartan (Teveten)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Etodolac (Lodine), Ketorolac (Toradol), Oxaprozin (Daypro), Meloxicam (Mobic), Nabumetone (Relafen), Ketoprofen, Celecoxib (Celebrex).
- Diuretics drugs
- salt substitutes or potassium supplements
- other medicines which reduce blood pressure
There might be some other drugs that can interact with Exforge. So, you have to inform your medical practitioner about all sorts of medicines, supplements as well as products you take.
Lifestyle and Food Habits you must Follow when on Exforge:
If you want to get well soon, then you must follow a healthy and good lifestyle. Quit smoking and alcohol consumption. The perilous habits can devastate your facial manifestation as well as physical condition. If you are a smoker or alcohol lover, then you have to trim down your consumption of alcohol if you want to use Exforge safely.
Inform your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- congestive heart failure
- angina (chest pain)
- coronary artery disease
- if you have diarrhea
Inform your physician in case you have a prolonged illness, which leads to causes like vomiting or diarrhea. Do not make the use of salt substitutes or potassium supplements while using Exforge, unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
How Safe is Exforge for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?
Being a mother, it is your responsibility to take care of your baby, especially the unborn baby in every situation. Any sort of small mistake can cause a big harm to your baby. Hence, if you are expecting, planning to become pregnant or a nursing mother, inform your doctor in advance to prevent further complication. It is not known whether this drug passes through the milk or not, but it may harm an unborn baby. Hence, you should ask the advice of your doctor first.
Complications and Conditions Possible due to Prolonged use of Exforge:
Keep on using Exforge medication as directed by your doctor. Even if you feel that there is no need to use it now, ask your doctor first. Many drugs can have a habit-forming ability or addiction property. Hence, suddenly stopping their use can cause withdrawal symptoms. So ask your healthcare provider about when and how to stop using Exforge.
Availability of Exforge:
Exforge is available on the doctor’s prescription only and it is not OTC medicine.