Amlodipine valsartan side effects
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Side Effects of Amlodipine and Valsartan Combination Therapy
Introduction to Amlodipine and Valsartan
Amlodipine and valsartan are commonly used antihypertensive agents with distinct mechanisms of action. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, while valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. The combination of these two drugs is often used to enhance blood pressure control and improve patient compliance.
Common Side Effects
Dizziness and Oropharyngeal Pain
Dizziness is one of the most frequently reported side effects of the amlodipine and valsartan combination. In a pharmacokinetic study involving healthy male Korean volunteers, dizziness was noted in four subjects who received the test formulation of the fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet. Additionally, oropharyngeal pain was reported in one subject with the test formulation and three subjects with the reference formulation.
Peripheral Edema
Peripheral edema is a notable side effect associated with amlodipine. In a study comparing valsartan and amlodipine in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension, peripheral edema was significantly more common in the amlodipine group (26.8%) compared to the valsartan group (4.8%). This highlights the dose-dependent adverse effects of amlodipine, particularly at higher doses.
Less Common Side Effects
Headache, Fatigue, and Dry Cough
Headache, dizziness, and fatigue are common adverse events associated with valsartan, although their incidence is not significantly different from placebo. Valsartan is also associated with a lower incidence of dry cough compared to ACE inhibitors, making it a preferable option for patients who experience persistent cough with ACE inhibitors.
Rare Side Effects
While valsartan is generally well-tolerated, rare side effects have been reported, necessitating cautious use, especially given the large number of hypertensive patients worldwide.
Comparative Tolerability
Valsartan vs. Amlodipine
In a study comparing the risk/benefit profiles of valsartan and amlodipine in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension, valsartan showed better tolerability. The frequency of adverse events was significantly lower in the valsartan group (20.2%) compared to the amlodipine group (31.9%). This suggests that valsartan may be a more tolerable option for long-term management of hypertension, particularly in elderly patients.
Combination Therapy
The combination of valsartan and amlodipine has been shown to be generally well-tolerated. In clinical trials, the incidence of peripheral edema was significantly lower in patients receiving the combination therapy compared to those treated with amlodipine monotherapy. This indicates that the combination therapy may mitigate some of the adverse effects associated with amlodipine alone.
Conclusion
The combination of amlodipine and valsartan is effective in managing hypertension but comes with its own set of side effects. Dizziness and peripheral edema are among the most common adverse events, with the latter being more associated with amlodipine. Valsartan generally shows better tolerability, making it a suitable option for patients who experience adverse effects with other antihypertensive agents. Overall, the combination therapy is well-tolerated and offers a balanced approach to blood pressure management.
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