Drug Class: Calcium Channel Blocker + Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) Combination | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Extor 5/160mg Tablet?
Extor 5/160mg is a fixed-dose dual combination tablet containing Amlodipine 5mg and Valsartan 160mg — a calcium channel blocker and an angiotensin receptor blocker working through two completely different and complementary mechanisms to lower blood pressure more effectively than either medicine alone. The 5mg Amlodipine dose makes this the moderate-strength option within the Extor range — providing meaningful blood vessel relaxation with a lower risk of ankle swelling compared to the 10mg strength, making it particularly suitable for patients starting dual combination therapy or those who experienced tolerability issues with higher Amlodipine doses. Valsartan blocks angiotensin II — a powerful hormone that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure — while simultaneously protecting the heart and kidneys from long-term hypertension damage. Together they provide sustained dual-action blood pressure control — reducing the long-term risk of heart attack (دل کا دورہ), stroke (فالج), and cardiovascular complications from uncontrolled high blood pressure (ہائی بلڈ پریشر).
What is Extor 5/160mg Used For?
- Essential hypertension — treatment of high blood pressure in adults not adequately controlled on a single antihypertensive medicine (ہائی بلڈ پریشر)
- Tolerability-based prescribing — suitable for patients who experienced significant ankle swelling or other side effects on the higher Amlodipine 10mg dose
- Dual antihypertensive therapy — as a convenient single daily tablet replacing separately taken Amlodipine 5mg and Valsartan 160mg for improved treatment adherence
- Cardiovascular risk reduction — reducing the long-term risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure in hypertensive patients with established cardiovascular risk factors
- Diuretic-free blood pressure control — suitable for patients who experience excessive urination, electrolyte disturbances, or gout triggered by thiazide diuretics
How Does Extor 5/160mg Work?
Amlodipine 5mg — Calcium Channel Blocker: Calcium ions play a key role in causing blood vessel wall muscle cells to contract and narrow. Amlodipine blocks the entry of calcium into these cells through voltage-gated L-type calcium channels — causing the muscle cells to relax and blood vessels to widen. This vasodilation reduces the resistance the heart must pump against — directly and sustainably lowering blood pressure throughout the day. At 5mg, Amlodipine provides clinically meaningful and sustained blood vessel relaxation with a significantly lower incidence of ankle swelling compared to the 10mg dose — making it the preferred starting strength for dual combination therapy in many patients.
Valsartan 160mg — Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB): The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is one of the body's primary blood pressure regulation mechanisms. Angiotensin II — the most potent vasoconstrictor in this system — narrows blood vessels, promotes sodium and water retention, and raises blood pressure. Valsartan selectively blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor — preventing angiotensin II from exerting its blood pressure-raising and vessel-damaging effects. This causes blood vessels to relax, reduces fluid retention, lowers blood pressure, and provides important long-term organ protection to the kidneys and heart from sustained hypertension damage.
Combined Dual Effect: Amlodipine targets blood vessel resistance through the calcium channel pathway while Valsartan targets the hormonal blood pressure regulation pathway — two independent mechanisms working simultaneously. This complementary dual action produces greater and more sustained blood pressure reduction than maximising the dose of either medicine alone — with the added benefit of the lower Amlodipine dose producing fewer tolerability issues while maintaining strong antihypertensive efficacy.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Always take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop Extor suddenly without medical advice — abrupt discontinuation can cause dangerous rebound hypertension.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Hypertension | 1 tablet (5/160mg) | Once daily | 1 tablet |
Critical Dosing Rules:
- Extor 5/160mg is typically prescribed after blood pressure has not been adequately controlled on a single antihypertensive medicine — it is not usually a first-line starting treatment
- If blood pressure remains inadequately controlled on Extor 5/160mg, your doctor may step up to Extor 10/160mg or add a diuretic component such as Hydrochlorothiazide
- Blood pressure and kidney function must be monitored regularly throughout treatment
- Valsartan retains potassium — avoid potassium supplements or potassium-rich salt substitutes unless specifically prescribed
- Elderly patients and those with liver impairment are more sensitive to blood pressure lowering — monitor closely in the first weeks of treatment
- Never stop suddenly — always taper under your doctor's direct supervision to avoid rebound hypertension
How to Take:
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water
- May be taken with or without food — take consistently the same way each day
- Take at the same time each day — consistent once-daily dosing maintains stable blood pressure control throughout 24 hours
- If a dose is missed, take it the same day as soon as remembered — skip if it is the next day; never double the dose
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Amlodipine (as Besylate) | 5mg |
| Valsartan | 160mg |
Who Should NOT Take Extor 5/160mg?
Do not take if you:
- Are allergic to Amlodipine, Valsartan, or any ingredient in the tablet
- Have severe liver disease or biliary cirrhosis
- Have severe kidney disease or are currently on dialysis
- Have diabetes and are also taking Aliskiren — combination with Valsartan is contraindicated
- Are pregnant — Valsartan causes serious foetal harm and is strictly contraindicated in all trimesters (حمل میں سختی سے منع ہے)
- Are breastfeeding
- Have a history of angioedema with any ARB or ACE inhibitor
Always consult your doctor before taking Extor 5/160mg if you have:
- Mild to moderate kidney disease (گردے کی بیماری) — monitor kidney function regularly
- Mild to moderate liver disease — both Amlodipine and Valsartan are liver-metabolised
- Severe aortic or mitral valve stenosis — Amlodipine requires caution in these conditions
- Heart failure — Valsartan requires careful initiation and monitoring under cardiologist supervision
- Low blood volume or dehydration — risk of excessive first-dose blood pressure drop
- Are elderly — increased sensitivity to blood pressure lowering effects and postural hypotension
- Are taking ACE inhibitors, potassium supplements, or potassium-sparing diuretics — serious interaction risk with Valsartan
Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Ankle swelling (oedema) — Amlodipine related; significantly less common at 5mg than the 10mg dose
- Dizziness or light-headedness — especially when standing up quickly (postural hypotension)
- Headache — usually mild and improves with continued use
- Flushing or feeling of warmth — Amlodipine related; particularly in the face and neck
- Fatigue or tiredness — usually mild and temporary
- Nausea or mild stomach discomfort — usually temporary
Serious Side Effects — Stop Taking and Seek Medical Help Immediately:
- Severe hypotension — extreme dizziness, fainting, or collapse — particularly after the first dose or during dehydration or illness (طبی ہنگامی صورتحال)
- Angioedema — sudden swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat causing difficulty breathing — life-threatening emergency requiring immediate hospital care (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Severe kidney impairment — significantly reduced urination, unexplained weight gain, severe ankle swelling — stop immediately and seek urgent medical care
- Hyperkalaemia (high potassium) — muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat — Valsartan retains potassium; risk increases significantly with ACE inhibitors or potassium supplements
- Severe allergic reaction — widespread rash, skin blistering or peeling — stop immediately and seek medical attention
- Severe liver reaction — yellowing of skin or eyes (یرقان), dark urine, extreme fatigue — rare but reported with Valsartan; seek immediate medical attention
- Worsening angina or heart attack — rare with Amlodipine initiation in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease; seek emergency care immediately
Drug Interactions
| Medicine / Substance | Possible Interaction |
|---|---|
| Aliskiren (in diabetic patients) | Contraindicated with Valsartan — increases risk of kidney failure, dangerously low blood pressure, and high potassium |
| ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Lisinopril) | Combined use with Valsartan significantly increases risk of low blood pressure, high potassium, and kidney damage — avoid dual RAAS blockade |
| Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., Spironolactone) / Potassium supplements | Valsartan retains potassium — additive hyperkalaemia risk; avoid combining unless specifically prescribed with close electrolyte monitoring |
| NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) | Reduce antihypertensive effect of Valsartan and increase kidney impairment risk — avoid regular combined use |
| Cyclosporine / Tacrolimus | Increase Valsartan blood levels — monitor kidney function and blood pressure closely |
| Simvastatin | Amlodipine increases Simvastatin blood levels — muscle damage risk; Simvastatin dose must not exceed 20mg daily when combined with Amlodipine |
| CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Clarithromycin) | Increase Amlodipine blood levels — risk of excessive blood pressure lowering; monitor closely |
| CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Rifampicin, Carbamazepine) | Reduce Amlodipine blood levels — may reduce antihypertensive effectiveness; inform your doctor |
| Other antihypertensives | Additive blood pressure lowering — excessive hypotension risk; monitor blood pressure carefully |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Enhances blood pressure lowering effect and significantly increases dizziness and fainting risk — avoid completely |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep in original blister pack until use
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between Extor 5/160mg and Extor 10/160mg? The only difference is the Amlodipine dose — 5mg causes significantly less ankle swelling and suits patients starting dual combination therapy or those who could not tolerate the higher 10mg strength.
Q: Can I stop taking Extor 5/160mg once my blood pressure feels normal? Never stop without your doctor's advice — normal readings confirm the medicine is working effectively; stopping suddenly risks dangerous rebound hypertension and significantly raises the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Q: Is Extor 5/160mg safe during pregnancy? No — Valsartan is strictly contraindicated throughout all trimesters of pregnancy due to serious risk of foetal harm; inform your doctor immediately if you become or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Q: Can Extor 5/160mg be combined with a diuretic if blood pressure is still not controlled? Yes — if blood pressure remains above target on Extor 5/160mg, your doctor may add Hydrochlorothiazide or step up to a triple combination tablet; never add medicines without your doctor's explicit advice.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Extor 5/160mg is a prescription cardiovascular medicine — never start, stop, or adjust the dose without consulting your healthcare provider. Regular blood pressure and kidney function monitoring is essential during treatment.