Amlovas M 5/25

Composition of Amlovas M 5/25

Amlovas M 5/25 contains Amlodipine + Metoprolol succinate. It belongs to the Calcium channel blocker and Beta blocker class of medicines.

Uses of Amlovas M 5/25

• This medicine is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
• angina
• heart failure and irregular heartbeat.

Key benefits

• Effective and well tolerated for long-term blood pressure control
• Useful in angina as well as hypertension
• Usually taken once a day
• Reduces the risk of a further heart attack
• Controls rapid and irregular heart rhythms
• Improves survival in heart failure

How Amlovas M 5/25 works

This medicine combines 2 active ingredients: Amlodipine and Metoprolol Succinate. Amlodipine relaxes the muscle in the walls of your blood vessels so they widen, which lowers blood pressure and eases the work of the heart. Metoprolol Succinate slows the heart and reduces the force of each beat by blocking the effect of adrenaline, so the heart works less hard and uses less oxygen.

How to take Amlovas M 5/25

Use this medicine as your doctor has directed. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause a severe fall in blood pressure and a dangerously slow or irregular heartbeat. It can cause a dangerously slow heartbeat, a severe fall in blood pressure, wheezing and fits. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Amlovas M 5/25

Most side effects of Amlovas M 5/25 are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Swelling of the ankles and feet
• Flushing
• Headache
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Cold hands and feet
• Slow pulse
• Disturbed sleep
• Breathlessness

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Amlovas M 5/25

Warnings and precautions

Ankle swelling is the commonest reason people stop this medicine — tell your doctor, as there are ways to manage it. Tell your doctor if your chest pain becomes more frequent or more severe after starting. Swollen, tender or overgrown gums should be reported; good brushing and regular dental care reduce the risk. Never stop this medicine suddenly. Stopping abruptly can cause a sharp rise in blood pressure, worsening chest pain or a heart attack — your doctor will reduce it gradually. Tell your doctor if you have asthma or long-standing lung disease; this group can tighten the airways. If you have diabetes, be aware that this medicine can mask the early warning signs of low blood sugar, apart from sweating. Report a resting pulse that is persistently very slow, or fainting.

Do not take Amlovas M 5/25 if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with very low blood pressure or with severe narrowing of the aortic valve. Not for people with a very slow heart rate, certain heart block disorders, or uncontrolled heart failure. Generally avoided in severe asthma.

Interactions with other medicines

Grapefruit juice raises the level of some of these medicines in the blood — avoid it. Tell your doctor about other blood pressure medicines, and about simvastatin in particular. Combining with verapamil or diltiazem can slow the heart dangerously. Tell your doctor about diabetes medicines and about any asthma inhaler.

How to store Amlovas M 5/25

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Amlovas M 5/25

Raising your legs when sitting, and reducing salt, helps with ankle swelling. Do not stop suddenly without asking your doctor. Take it at the same time each day and do not miss doses. Learn to check your own pulse, and report a persistently slow one.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

Therapeutic class:

Anti-hypertensive

Drug class:

Calcium channel blocker and Beta blocker