Amlodipine and Losartan are combined in this medicine.
Amlodipine + Losartan helps to keep your blood pressure under control.
Take Amlodipine + Losartan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Amlodipine + Losartan must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- narrowing of the heart valves
- unstable heart disease
- cardiogenic shock (a serious sudden condition when the heart cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain and vital organs of the body)
- severe liver disease
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Amlodipine + Losartan, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Amlodipine + Losartan with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure) if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- low volume of circulating fluids in the blood
- low sodium levels in the blood
- heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- abnormally thick heart muscle
- diabetes
- mild to moderate liver disease
- moderate to severe kidney disease
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver or kidney function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs of swelling of the ankles, feet or hands may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Amlodipine + Losartan may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and indigestion.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Amlodipine + Losartan with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure) if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. ramipril, verapamil
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen
- certain antibiotics e.g. trimethoprim
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- lithium (medicine for mood disorder)
- potassium supplements
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Amlodipine + Losartan.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.