Natrilam 1.5mg / 10mg tablet

Introduction

Expert Advice

Take this medication with meals, do not crush or chew, swallow whole.

Include potassium rich foods such as bananas and orange juice in your diet

Monitor your weight regularly, contact your doctor if weight is more than 5 pounds

Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to avoid direct sunlight and prevent photosensitivity.

Primary Uses

Indications

This medicine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Side Effects

The use of this medicine is associated with side effects such as headache, dizziness, cramps, hypotension,fatigue, allergic manifestations, rash and photosensitivity. 

Contraindications

It is not recommended to be used in patients with severe kidney or liver dysfunctioning. Also contraindicated in hypokalaemia (potassium levels in blood are too low)

FAQS

Are there any interactions of drugs with this medication?

Yes, this medication can interact with lithium, other diuretics astemizole, bepridil, sulfopride, metformin, NSAIDs, antipsychotics, immunosuppressants and other diuretics.

What is the recommended dosage in adults?

In adults the recommended dosage is 1 tablet in the morning

Can children use this medication?

No, it is not recommended for use in children

Do I have to careful if I have diabetes?

Yes, check blood glucose levels regularly and inform your doctor if there are any changes

When should I contact my doctor?

Contact your doctor if you experience changes in vision, swelling of ankles or hands, respiratory difficulty, unusual bleeding, chest pain, palpitations, numbness, tingling or muscle cramps

Which medicines should be avoided with Amlodidpine?

As per FDA recommendation, simvastatin dosage should be limited to 20 mg daily while taking amlodipine. Also, all the CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors like diltiazem, ketoconazole, itraconazole & ritonavir should be avoided while taking amlodipine.

I have been experiencing swelling in hands and foot since I started using the medicine. I amconcerned whether this swelling will persist?

You don’t need to worry about the swelling, as it is one of the very common adverse effects of the drug. This will go off once you withdraw its use. But you still need to consult your physician if the condition is getting worse.

When is it safe to discontinue the medicine?

You are not advised to do so abruptly nor are you supposed to make this decision by yourself. Consult with your physician, who will most probably advise for a gradual withdrawal. This is done to avoid the chest pain and relapse of high blood pressure, which is usually observed in such scenarios.

In what forms is the medicine available?

It is available in tablet, drops and I/V (intravenous) forms.

I am a patient of dialysis and have a history of getting treated for hepatitis C too. So, is the medicine safe for me?

No, the drug is not safe for any kind of kidney or liver disease. Consult your physician for an alternative.

What is the best time to take this medicine?

It doesn’t really matter at what time of the day you take amlodipine, but it is best to take it at the exact time every day, for more even blood levels & more effectiveness of the medicine.

Why taking this medicine at night is useful?

New research shows that administering blood pressure medicines at bedtime effectively helps to reduce your risk of illness or death due to blood vessel & heart disease. Timings are important as BP follows a daily rhythm. It is high during the day & falls at nighttime.

How much does this medicine help reduce blood pressure?

It is seen that titration of amlodipine from 5-10 mg every day in patients not responding to the treatment with 5 mg dose showed significant decrease in BP.