Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. It has a greater effect on vascular smooth muscle cells than on cardiac muscle cells. Thus it dilates the peripheral vessels to cause a reduction in peripheral resistance and decreases myocardial contraction to reduce cardiac output, finally resulting in a reduction of blood pressure. Atenolol is a cardio selective beta-blocker. The cardio selectivity is dose-related. Atenolol causes a reduction in blood pressure by lowering cardiac output, through decreasing plasma renin activity and heart rate.
Lodicard Tablet : Each tablet contains Amlodipine besilate BP equivalent to Amlodipine 5 mg and Atenolol BP 50 mg.
Lodicard is indicated for the following conditions: 1) For the treatment of hypertension 2) For chronic stable angina 3) In post MI patients 4) In patients with refractory angina pectoris where nitrate therapy has failed.
The usual daily dose is one tablet of Lodicard. However, the dose may be titrated depending on therapeutic response.
Hypersensitivity to either component, sinus bradycardia, second and higher degree of heart block, cardiogenic shock, hypotension, congestive heart failure, poor left ventricular function.
Impaired hepatic function: Caution may be necessary in the use of the combination in patients with severe liver damage because of prolongation of the elimination half- life of amlodipine. Impaired renal function: The combination can be used in patients with renal impairment. However, caution may be necessary if the creatinine clearance is less than 30 ml/min because of possible reduction in the excretion of unchanged atenolol.
The combination of amlodipine and atenolol is well tolerated. Side effects include headache, flushing, edema, dizziness, dyspepsia & fatigue.
Disopyramide: Atenolol reduces the clearance of disopyramide by 20%. Additive negative ionotropic effects on the heart may be produced. Ampicillin: At doses of 1 g and above may reduce atenolol levels. Insulin: Beta-blockers may decrease tissue sensitivity to insulin.
Pregnancy: The combination should be used during pregnancy only if the expected benefit outweighs the potential foetal risk.
Lactation: The combination should not be used by nursing mothers. If it use is considered necessary, breast feeding should be stopped.
Lodicard Tablet :Each box contains 60's tablets in blister pack.
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