Drug Class: Calcium Channel Blocker + ARB Combination | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Exval-A 5/80mg Tablet?
Exval-A 5/80mg is the lower-strength formulation of the Amlodipine-Valsartan combination — typically prescribed as the starting dose for patients requiring dual blood pressure therapy, or as a step-down option for patients stabilised on higher strengths. It contains Amlodipine 5mg to relax arterial walls through calcium channel blockade, and Valsartan 80mg to block the hormonal system that drives blood vessel constriction and fluid retention. Together they address two separate causes of high blood pressure simultaneously — providing more effective control than increasing the dose of a single agent while keeping each component at a lower, well-tolerated starting level.
What is Exval-A 5/80mg Used For?
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) — initial combination therapy when a single agent is insufficient (ہائی بلڈ پریشر)
- Starting combination therapy — lower component doses for patients sensitive to higher-strength combinations
- Cardiovascular risk reduction — sustained blood pressure control reduces long-term risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage
- Simplified treatment regimen — replacing two separate blood pressure tablets with one convenient daily tablet
How Does Exval-A 5/80mg Work?
Amlodipine 5mg — Calcium Channel Blocker: Blocks L-type calcium channels in peripheral arterial smooth muscle cells — preventing calcium entry that causes vessel constriction. With calcium blocked, arterial walls relax and widen, reducing peripheral vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure. Amlodipine's long half-life ensures smooth, sustained 24-hour blood pressure control from a single daily dose without peaks and troughs.
Valsartan 80mg — Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB): Selectively blocks AT1 receptors — preventing angiotensin II, one of the body's most potent vasoconstrictors, from tightening blood vessels and stimulating aldosterone-driven sodium and fluid retention. This neurohormonal blockade reduces blood pressure through a mechanism entirely distinct from Amlodipine — and provides additional kidney and cardiovascular protective benefits beyond blood pressure lowering alone.
Combined Effect: At this starting-strength combination, both medicines act on separate pathways — direct arterial relaxation via calcium blockade and hormonal constriction blockade via ARB — providing additive blood pressure lowering that is better tolerated than higher doses of either single agent.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Take exactly as prescribed. Never stop suddenly — abrupt discontinuation can cause rebound hypertension. Blood pressure must be monitored regularly throughout treatment.
| Indication | Usual Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hypertension (initial combination therapy) | 1 tablet (5mg/80mg) | Once daily |
- Take once daily at the same time each day — with or without food
- Swallow whole with a full glass of water
- Maintain adequate fluid intake — particularly important during hot weather, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Your doctor may titrate to a higher strength (5/160mg or 10/160mg) after assessing blood pressure response
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Amlodipine | 5mg |
| Valsartan | 80mg |
Who Should NOT Take Exval-A 5/80mg?
- Known allergy to Amlodipine, Valsartan, or any calcium channel blocker or ARB
- Pregnancy — ARBs are absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy; can cause serious foetal harm
- Severe liver disease — Valsartan is primarily hepatically metabolised
- Severe aortic stenosis — Amlodipine requires caution in significant valve disease
- Concomitant use with Aliskiren in diabetic patients — contraindicated combination
Consult your doctor before use if you have: kidney or liver disease, heart failure, low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, or are taking ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, or potassium supplements.
Side Effects
Common:
- Ankle or leg swelling (oedema) — common Amlodipine class effect; less pronounced at 5mg than higher doses (پاؤں کی سوجن)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness — particularly on standing up quickly
- Flushing or facial warmth — Amlodipine-related arterial dilation effect
- Headache — particularly during the first few weeks of treatment
- Fatigue or mild nausea
Serious — seek medical attention immediately:
- Severe hypotension — sudden fainting or collapse, particularly with dehydration (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Elevated potassium (hyperkalaemia) — muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat — Valsartan ARB class risk
- Kidney function deterioration — reduced urination, ankle swelling, unexplained weight gain
- Severe allergic reaction — facial swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash
- Worsening chest pain — rare paradoxical effect at start of Amlodipine in severe coronary disease
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| ACE inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Ramipril) | Double renin-angiotensin blockade — increased hypotension and kidney failure risk; avoid combination |
| Aliskiren | Contraindicated in diabetic patients — increased hypotension, kidney failure, and hyperkalaemia risk |
| Potassium-sparing diuretics / Potassium supplements | Valsartan raises potassium — combined use significantly increases hyperkalaemia risk |
| NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) | Reduce Valsartan's antihypertensive effect and increase kidney damage risk |
| Simvastatin | Amlodipine increases Simvastatin exposure — muscle damage risk; dose cap of 20mg Simvastatin applies |
| Cyclosporine / Tacrolimus | Increases Valsartan blood levels — kidney toxicity monitoring required |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Worsens blood pressure lowering and dizziness — avoid excessive alcohol |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C away from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after expiry date on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between Exval-A 5/80mg and the higher strengths? The 5/80mg is the lowest available combination strength — used as a starting dose or for patients sensitive to stronger combinations. Your doctor may step up to 5/160mg or 10/160mg if blood pressure targets are not achieved within 4–8 weeks.
Q: Is ankle swelling from Exval-A dangerous? Mild ankle swelling is a common Amlodipine effect and is generally not dangerous — it is less pronounced at the 5mg dose. Report it to your doctor if it worsens, as dose adjustment or switching to a different combination may help.
Q: Can I take Exval-A 5/80mg during pregnancy? No — Valsartan is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy and can cause serious foetal kidney damage. Use reliable contraception and inform your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs during treatment.
Q: Can I stop Exval-A if my blood pressure reads normal? No — normal readings confirm the medicine is working as intended. Stopping suddenly can cause rebound hypertension and significantly increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. Only stop under your doctor's direct supervision.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This description is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping this medicine. Never stop blood pressure treatment without medical guidance.
DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | Take once daily — never stop without doctor's advice — avoid in pregnancy — monitor blood pressure regularly