Indications
Exforge is a prescription medication used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure, in adults. It contains a combination of two drugs: amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, and valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Exforge works by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the workload on the heart.
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, which means that it helps to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, which means that it helps to block a hormone that can cause the blood vessels to narrow. These two drugs work together in different but complementary ways to relax blood vessels and effectively lower blood pressure.
Uses and Dosage
Exforge can be taken with or without food, one tablet once daily, as directed by a doctor. The dosage is determined based on individual medical condition and response to treatment. Prior doses of amlodipine or valsartan may inform the dosage of Exforge. Patients who previously took separate tablets or capsules of amlodipine and valsartan may be switched to the combination tablet of Exforge.
Take Exforge with water. It may take several weeks to experience the full benefits of Exforge. Take the tablet regularly, even if you feel well, and at the same time each day.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Exforge (Amlodipine/Valsartan):
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Edema (swelling) in the extremities
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- URTIs
Serious Side Effects of Exforge (Amlodipine/Valsartan):
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeats
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of movement
- Nausea
- Rapid weight gain
- Swelling in your hands or feet
- Tingly feeling
- Weakness
Form and Strength
Exforge (Amlodipine/Valsartan) is available in the following forms and strength:
Exforge: Film Coated Tablet
- 5/80 mg
- 5/160 mg
- 5/320 mg
- 10/160 mg
- 10/320 mg
Caution
- Fetal toxicity: Exforge should be discontinued as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected.
- Liver disease: Exforge should be used with caution in patients with liver disease.
- Hypotension: Exforge may cause low blood pressure, especially in patients with salt depletion, volume depletion, or heart failure.
- Risk of stroke: Exforge may increase the risk of stroke in certain patients, such as those with severe congestive heart failure.
- Renal impairment: Exforge should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function.
- Hyperkalemia: Exforge may cause increased levels of potassium in the blood, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment, diabetes, or heart failure.
- Angioedema: Exforge may cause angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), which can be life-threatening.
- Heart failure: Exforge should be used with caution in patients with heart failure and may not be suitable for some patients with severe heart failure.
- Surgery: Exforge should be discontinued before surgery, including dental surgery, as it may increase the risk of hypotension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Exforge interact with other medications?
Yes, Exforge can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and vitamins that you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.
How should Exforge be taken?
Exforge should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Usually, it is taken once a day, with or without food.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Exforge?
If you miss a dose of Exforge, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Can Exforge lower my blood sugar?
Exforge is not known to directly lower blood sugar levels. However, because it is used to treat high blood pressure, it may indirectly help to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Can I continue to take Exforge while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking Exforge. The medication may not be safe for the developing fetus. It is also not known whether Exforge passes into breast milk, so it's important to talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Can Exforge cause liver damage?
In rare cases, Exforge may cause liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dark urine. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Exforge.
How can I get the most benefit from Exforge?
To get the most benefit from Exforge, take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Also, make sure to attend all your doctor's appointments to monitor your blood pressure and any potential side effects.
Resources
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/exforge
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148564/exforge-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021990s016lbl.pdf
- https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Exforge.aspx
- https://www.drugs.com/exforge.html
- https://www.exforge.com/index.jsp
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