Monograph Details
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Cardiovascular System
> Hypertension
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EXFORGE 5/160 |
| Manufacturer |
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Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp |
| Legal Classification |
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Rx
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| Pharmacological Class |
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Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine) + angiotensin II receptor blocker. |
| Generic Name |
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Amlodipine (as besylate) 5mg, valsartan 160mg; tabs. |
| Also |
• EXFORGE 10/160
• EXFORGE 10/320
• EXFORGE 5/320
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| Indications |
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Hypertension. |
| Children |
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Not recommended. |
| Adults |
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Take once daily. Initial therapy and not volume depleted: Initially 5/160mg; may increase after 1–2 weeks up to max 10/320mg. Add-on therapy: may be used if not controlled on monotherapy; if inadequate response after 3–4 weeks, may titrate up to max 10/320mg. Replacement therapy: may be substituted for the titrated components. Maximum effects within 2 weeks after dose change. |
| Precautions |
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Correct hypovolemia before starting (may need to reduce diuretic) or monitor closely for hypotension. Severe heart failure (HF) (if renal function depends on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system). Severe obstructive coronary disease. Recent MI. Severe aortic stenosis. Hepatic or severe renal impairment. Renal artery stenosis. Dialysis. Surgery. Pregnancy (Cat.D; avoid in 2nd and 3rd trimesters). Nursing mothers: not recommended. |
| Interactions |
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Concomitant K+ supplements, K+ sparing diuretics, K+ containing salt substitutes may lead to hyperkalemia; increased serum creatinine in HF. |
| Adverse Reactions |
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Peripheral edema, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory infection, dizziness; rare: orthostatic hypotension, postural dizziness. |
| How Supplied |
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Tabs—30, 90 |
| Additional Resources |
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• Related Prescribing Note |
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