Amlong-TL 40 Tablet (Telmisartan 40mg / Amlodipine 5mg)

INTRODUCTION

AMLONG TL is a combination of Amlodipine and Telmisartan which belongs to a group of medicines called Antihypertensives. It is used to treat high blood pressure. High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a medical condition in which the force of the blood exerted against the walls of the artery remains very high, and as a result it may lead to severe damage to the blood vessels of several organs, thus causing heart attack, heart or kidney failure, stroke, or even blindness.

Amlodipine is a Calcium channel blocker and Telmisartan is an Angiotensin-II antagonist. Collectively, they act together and reduces blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels supplying the heart, thus making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

Before taking AMLONG TL inform your doctor if you have diabetes, low blood pressure, heart diseases and liver or kidney problems. AMLONG TL is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women and in children (below 18 years). Consult your doctor before taking. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking AMLONG TL as it may cause unwanted interactions. The common side effects of AMLONG TL are dizziness, swelling in the ankle, tiredness, headache or upset stomach.

USES OF AMLONG TL

• Treats High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

HOW AMLONG TL WORKS

AMLONG TL effectively reduces blood pressure, where amlodipine acts by reducing the contractility of the heart muscles and telmisartan acts by blocking the actions of a peptide called Angiotensin – II, which is responsible for increasing blood pressure. Collectively, they relax the blood vessels supplying the heart, thus making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take AMLONG TL with or without food. Swallow it as a whole and do not crush or chew the medicine. Do not stop taking AMLONG TL unless advised by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS OF AMLONG TL

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a wet or cold cloth to forehead and rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.

Constipation:

Take fiber rich foods in your diet such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals, and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly and stay active.

Nausea:

Try to take this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat oil rich or spicy food.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking AMLONG TL, inform your doctor if you are taking:

• Enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril (treats high blood pressure or heart failure)
• Aliskiren (used to high blood pressure)
• Lithium (used to treat mental illness such as depression)
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (used to retain potassium levels in blood)
• Acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen (treats pain and inflammation)
• Cyclosporin (used to suppress overactive immune response)
• Rifampicin, erythromycin, clarithromycin (used to treat bacterial infections)
• Dantrolene infusion (used to treat body temperature abnormalities)
• Sirolimus, temsirolimus and everolimus (used to alter the way your immune system works)
• Ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir (used to treat HIV/AIDS)
• Ketoconazole, itraconazole (used to treat fungal infection)
• Diltiazem, verapamil (used to treat heart problems)
• Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone (used to treat edema or high blood pressure)
• Digoxin (treats heart conditions)
• Simvastatin (lowers high cholesterol levels)
• Baclofen (used to treat muscle spasm)
• Amifostine (used to treat cancer)
• Neuroleptics or antidepressants (used to treat depression or psychiatric disorders)
• Heparin, (treats blood clot)
• St. john’s wort (herbal medicine)

 B. Drug-Food interactions:

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking AMLONG TL as it increases the level of this medicine in the blood resulting in lower blood pressure than desired. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of AMLONG TL, consult your doctor immediately.  Overdosage can cause severe low blood pressure such as fainting, dizziness, weakness and increase in heartrate.