Exforge HCT
Generic Name:
Amlodipine, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide
Brand Names:
Exforge HCT
Exforge HCT Description:
Exforge HCT is a three-in-one medication used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension.
Exforge HCT is mainly used as an add-on or switch therapy. Usually physicians prescribe this medication when patients have failed to respond to other medications or have experienced adverse reactions to the combined use of any two hypertensive medications: calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-receptor blockers, and diuretics.
Exforge HCT may also be used as an alternate for individually titrated components.
The medication consists of amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. Exforge HCT is not indicated for use as an initial therapy for hypertension.
Exforge HCT Uses:
Exforge HCT is meant for lowering high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a very serious medical condition that can lead to stroke, heart disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, kidney failure, aortic aneurysms and eye problems.
Those whose blood pressure reading is constantly higher than the normal range (around 120/80) should seek treatment to control blood pressure. The main risk factors of high blood pressure include:
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Advanced age
- Lack of physical activity
- Poor eating habits
- Overweight
- Alcohol abuse
- Smoking (exposure to other people’s smoking can also cause high blood pressure)
- Stress
Those with hypertension may not demonstrate any physical symptoms of high blood pressure even when blood pressure readings are in a high range. Symptoms that can occur due to advanced high blood pressure include:
- Dull headache
- Dizziness
- Nosebleed
- Tiredness
- Chest pain
- Ear sounds
- Vision changes
- Irregular heartbeat
Exforge HCT works by combining three separate mechanisms. Amlodipine can relax blood vessels and increase the flow of blood and oxygen to heart. Valsartan can act against tightening of blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide reduces the fluid in the body, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Exforge HCT Interactions:
Patients should inform their physicians if they are taking any of the following medications, as they are prone to interact with hydrochlorothiazide, a component of Exforge HCT:
- Lithium
- Steroids
- Diabetic medications
- Cholesterol medications
- Narcotic pain medications
- Diuretics or water pills
- Sleeping pills
- Anti-seizure medications
- Other high blood pressure medications
Exforge HCT Dosage Information:
Exforge HCT is manufactured by Novartis International AG and is available in three different strengths (all dosages listed are amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide):
- 5/160/12.5 mg, 10/160/12.5 mg
- 5/160/25 mg, 10/160/25 mg
- 10/320/25 mg
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients should take Exforge HCT once daily. If needed, this dosage can be increased after two weeks of therapy. It has been proven that the full effect of this medication can be achieved within two weeks after being treated with maximum dose. The maximum dose for Exforge HCT is 10/320/25 mg.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If the time has come for next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of Exforge HCT.
Overdosing
Overdose on this medication can cause hypotension and bradycardia (due to parasympathetic stimulation). If an overdose occurs, go to emergency room or call your physician or Poison Control Center. Supportive treatment should be given following an overdose of Exforge HCT.
Exforge HCT FDA Approval:
April 30, 2009
Exforge HCT Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There have been no recalls for Exforge HCT.
Exforge HCT has a black box warning regarding use during pregnancy. Medications that act by regulating renin-angiotensin system (RAS) like Exforage HCT can cause fetal and neonatal injury, morbidity and mortality. Female patients of childbearing age should avoid using this medication if they have plans to become pregnant. Patients who have become pregnant while taking Exforge HCT should inform their doctor immediately. The risk factors that can occur to an unborn child include:
- Low blood pressure
- Renal failure
- Impaired development of skull bones
- Death
Other Warnings
Safety of Exforge HCT in patients under the age of 18 has not been studied.
Exforge HCT is not recommended for nursing mothers.
Inform your dentist that you are taking Exforge HCT prior to initiation of any dental therapy. It is also very important to inform concerned doctors about the use of Exforge HCT before undergoing heart surgery or kidney dialysis.
Use of Exforge HCT in volume-depleted patients can result in symptomatic hypotension. This condition should be corrected before starting therapy with Exforge.
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September 9, 2010, 3:38 pm
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September 8, 2010, 3:39 pm
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
