Drug Class: Calcium Channel Blocker + Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) Combination | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Amlo-Plus 5/80mg Tablet? Amlo-Plus 5/80mg contains Amlodipine 5mg and Valsartan 80mg — a fixed-dose combination of two antihypertensive medicines that lower blood pressure through two completely separate and complementary pathways. Amlodipine relaxes blood vessel walls by blocking calcium entry into smooth muscle cells while Valsartan blocks angiotensin II receptors responsible for blood vessel constriction and fluid retention. This dual mechanism produces significantly superior blood pressure control compared to either medicine used alone — making Amlo-Plus the logical next step for patients whose hypertension remains inadequately controlled on a single antihypertensive agent. Taking both medicines in one tablet also improves daily compliance and simplifies treatment for patients managing multiple cardiovascular medicines.
What is Amlo-Plus 5/80mg Used For?
- Hypertension — high blood pressure not controlled by single antihypertensive medicine (ہائی بلڈ پریشر)
- Step-up therapy — patients on Amlodipine or Valsartan alone requiring better control
- Hypertension with high cardiovascular risk — combined blood pressure and organ protection (دل کی بیماری کے خطرے میں بلڈ پریشر کنٹرول)
- Hypertension with diabetic nephropathy — Valsartan provides additional kidney protection (ذیابیطس میں گردوں کی حفاظت)
- Hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy — enlarged heart muscle from chronic uncontrolled blood pressure
How Does it Work? Amlodipine blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells — preventing calcium entry that triggers contraction, causing relaxation and widening of peripheral blood vessels to reduce vascular resistance. Valsartan selectively blocks AT1 angiotensin II receptors — preventing angiotensin II from triggering vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and sodium and water retention. Blocking both the calcium-mediated vasoconstriction pathway and the renin-angiotensin system simultaneously produces additive blood pressure reduction through two independent mechanisms — achieving better overall control with lower individual doses than escalating either medicine alone to higher doses.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Never stop suddenly — abrupt discontinuation causes dangerous rebound hypertension. Full blood pressure lowering effect develops over 2 to 4 weeks. Monitor blood pressure and kidney function regularly throughout treatment. Take at the same time each day with or without food.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension — inadequate monotherapy control | 1 tablet (5mg/80mg) | Once daily | Same time each day |
| Step-up from single antihypertensive | 1 tablet (5mg/80mg) | Once daily | Adjusted by cardiologist |
| High cardiovascular risk hypertension | 1 tablet (5mg/80mg) | Once daily | Regular monitoring required |
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Amlodipine | 5mg |
| Valsartan | 80mg |
Who Should NOT Take Amlo-Plus 5/80mg?
- Allergy to Amlodipine, Valsartan, any calcium channel blocker, or ARB
- Pregnancy — Valsartan strictly contraindicated in all trimesters; causes serious foetal harm and death
- Breastfeeding
- Severe liver impairment
- Severe kidney impairment or bilateral renal artery stenosis
- Severe hypotension — systolic blood pressure below 90mmHg
- Hereditary angioedema or prior angioedema with any ARB or ACE inhibitor
- Concurrent use of Aliskiren in patients with diabetes or kidney impairment
- Children under 18 years
Side Effects
Common: Ankle swelling from Amlodipine component (ٹخنوں کی سوجن — عام اور عموماً بے ضرر), facial flushing and warmth, mild dizziness especially on standing quickly, mild headache, fatigue — most effects are mild and often reduce after the first few weeks of treatment.
Serious — Stop and seek emergency help immediately: Angioedema — sudden swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat with breathing difficulty (چہرے اور گلے کی سوجن — فوری ہسپتال جائیں), severely low blood pressure with fainting (بے ہوشی — فوری مدد لیں), significantly raised blood potassium — muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat (پٹھوں کی کمزوری — فوری ڈاکٹر کو بتائیں), worsening kidney function — reduced urination with significant ankle swelling and weight gain, severe chest pain suggesting cardiac event.
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| ACE inhibitors (Enalapril, Lisinopril) | Increased hyperkalaemia and kidney failure risk — avoid dual RAAS blockade |
| Aliskiren | Increased hyperkalaemia and kidney damage risk — contraindicated in diabetes and kidney disease |
| Potassium supplements / Potassium-sparing diuretics | Significantly increased hyperkalaemia risk with Valsartan component |
| NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) | Reduce antihypertensive effectiveness and worsen kidney function |
| Other antihypertensives | Additive blood pressure lowering — increased hypotension risk |
| Cyclosporine / Tacrolimus | Increase Valsartan blood levels — increased side effect risk |
| Simvastatin at high doses | Amlodipine increases Simvastatin exposure — myopathy risk; limit Simvastatin to 20mg |
| Lithium | Valsartan increases Lithium blood levels — toxicity risk; monitor closely |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Increases blood pressure lowering and dizziness risk — avoid excessive consumption |
Storage: Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں). Do not use after expiry date.
FAQs
Q: Can Amlo-Plus 5/80mg be taken as a replacement for two separate tablets of Amlodipine and Valsartan? Yes — Amlo-Plus 5/80mg delivers exactly the same therapeutic effect as taking Amlodipine 5mg and Valsartan 80mg as separate tablets, with the added convenience of a single daily tablet improving compliance and simplifying the daily medicine routine.
Q: Why does Amlo-Plus cause ankle swelling and should I be concerned? Ankle swelling is a common and expected effect of the Amlodipine component — caused by peripheral vasodilation shifting fluid into leg tissues. It is generally harmless and often reduces over time. However report significant or rapidly worsening swelling to your doctor to rule out other causes.
Q: Is Amlo-Plus 5/80mg safe to take during pregnancy? No — Valsartan is strictly contraindicated throughout all trimesters of pregnancy due to serious risk of foetal kidney damage and death. Women of childbearing age must use effective contraception and inform their doctor immediately if pregnancy is suspected while taking this medicine.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription medicine.