FIXOCARD MEDICINE
FIXOCARD
Presentation
Fixocard 50 tablet: Each tablet contains Amlodipine Besilate BP
equivalent to Amlodipine 5 mg and Atenolol BP 50 mg.
Fixocard 25 tablet: Each tablet contains Amlodipine Besilate BP equivalent to Amlodipine 5 mg and Atenolol BP 25 mg.
Fixocard 25 tablet: Each tablet contains Amlodipine Besilate BP equivalent to Amlodipine 5 mg and Atenolol BP 25 mg.
Description
Fixocard is a fixed-dose combination of Amlodipine and Atenolol.
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 than on cardiac
muscle. Amlodipine is a peripheral vasodilator that acts directly on vascular
smooth muscle to cause a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and
reduction in blood pressure. Amlodipine reduces tone, decreases coronary
vasoreactivity and lowers cardiac demand by reducing after load. Atenolol is a
cardio selective beta-blocker. The cardio-selectivity is dose-related. Atenolol
causes a reduction in blood pressure by lowering cardiac output, decreasing the
plasma renin activity and sympathetic outflow from CNS. Atenolol also causes a
reduction in myocardial oxygen demand by virtue of its negative inotropic and
negative chronotropic effects.
Indications
Patients with essential hypertension; Patients with angina pectoris
& hypertension as co-existing diseases; In post MI patients; In patients
with refractory angina pectoris where nitrate therapy has failed.
Dosage & Administration
The recommended dosage is Fixocard or Fixocard 25 one tablet daily. If
necessary, the dosage may be increased to two tablets daily or as advised by
the physicians. The dosage however should be individualized.
Side Effects
The combination of Amlodipine and Atenolol is well tolerated. Overall
side-effects include fatigue, headache, edema, nausea drowsiness, anxiety and
depression.
Precautions
Bronchospasm: The combination should be used with caution in patients
with airway obstruction.
Renal impairment: 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.
Hepatic impairment: 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.
Drug withdrawal: Since coronary heart disease may exist without being recognized, patients should be warned against stopping the drug suddenly. Any discontinuation should be gradual and under observation.
Renal impairment: 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.
Hepatic impairment: 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.
Drug withdrawal: Since coronary heart disease may exist without being recognized, patients should be warned against stopping the drug suddenly. Any discontinuation should be gradual and under observation.
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: The combination should be used during pregnancy only if the
expected benefit outweighs the potential fetal risk.
Nursing Mother: The combination should not be used by nursing mothers. If its use is considered necessary, breast-feeding should be stopped.
Nursing Mother: The combination should not be used by nursing mothers. If its use is considered necessary, breast-feeding should be stopped.
Drug Interaction
Disopyramide: Atenolol reduces the clearance of disopyramide by 20%.
Additive negative inotropic effects on the heart may be produced. Ampicillin:
at doses of 1 gm and above may reduce Atenolol levels. Oral antidiabetics and
insulin: Beta-blockers may decrease tissue sensitivity to insulin and inhibit
insulin secretion e.g. in response to oral antidiabetics. Atenolol has less
potential for these actions.
Over Dose
Though not documented, hypotension and less frequently congestive cardiac
failure may occur in cases of overdosage. Unabsorbed drugs may be removed by
gastric lavage or administration of activated charcoal. Symptomatic treatment
is suggested.
Commercial Pack
Fixocard 50 tablet: Each box contains 5 blister strips of 10 tablets.
Fixocard 25 tablet: Each box contains 5 blister strips of 10 tablets.
Fixocard 25 tablet: Each box contains 5 blister strips of 10 tablets.
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