Hovasc 5mg is a tablet containing 5mg of amlodipine. Amlodipine is an example of drug classified under dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. Other examples of drugs in this group are felodipine, nifedipine, and nicardipine.
What is Hovasc 5mg used for?
Hovasc 5mg can be used as a single therapy drug or in combination with other drugs such as thiazides, ACEIs, or beta blockers. It is mainly used to bring down the blood pressure level in hypertensive disorders. By lowering blood pressure, complications of hypertension such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal diseases can be prevented. Some of the conditions where Amlodipine is used include :
Essential Hypertension
Hypertension Retinopathy
Hypertension Renal Disease
Eclampsia/Pre-eclampsia
Prinzmetal’s Angina
Angina Pectoris
Coronary Artery Diseases
This drug generally works by inhibiting the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into cardiac and vascular smooth muscles. This will then cause vasodilation which decreases the peripheral vascular resistance, thus lowering the blood pressure. In the case of prinzmetal’s angina, the exact mechanism of action is unclear, but it is said that amlodipine works by dilating coronary arteries and arterioles, increasing the oxygen supply to the heart.
Amlodipine is a prescription medicine and should only be taken under a doctor’s advice. Amlodipine can be prescribed to both adults and children aged 6 years and above. The dosage of amlodipine for adults is usually started at 5mg daily and can be increased up to 10mg if target blood pressure is not achieved. For children, however, the recommended initial dosage is 2.5mg per day, up-titrating to 5mg if blood pressure is still not controlled after 4 weeks. These dosages are just general recommendations and it varies according to the condition that is being treated, so you should always consult your doctor regarding the dosage and the duration of this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Hovasc 5mg?
There are certain conditions where the usage of Hovasc 5mg is contraindicated. For instance,
History of hypersensitivity reaction towards amlodipine or any of its listed excipients
Shock
High grade aortic stenosis
Severe hypotension
Unstable angina
Hemodynamically unstable heart failure
Special precautions should be taken when prescribing amlodipine to patients with liver impairment. Ideally, the patient should be started with the lowest dosage possible with monitoring of liver function. Those with renal impairment can be started on amlodipine using normal dosage as there are no correlations between amlodipine plasma concentrations and the degree of renal impairment. Regarding pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, Hovasc 5mg should only be used when there are no other safer alternatives and after reviewing the benefits and risks to the mother.
What are the adverse effects of Hovasc 5mg?
Hovasc 5mg is usually well tolerated but sometimes can cause side effects. Those includes :
Fatigue
Flushing
Swelling of the legs
Dizziness
Headache
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Palpitations
Sexual dysfunction
These symptoms are minor and don’t usually require medical treatment. However, if symptoms of an allergic reaction occur following the consumption of this tablet, you should refer to a clinic or hospital for further management. These symptoms include itchiness, difficulty in breathing, and swelling.
Serious side effects are rarely seen with Hovasc 5mg usage, but if you develop one of the following symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Chest pain
Postural hypotension (dizziness when getting up from sitting or lying down position)
Shortness of breath
Signs of liver impairment such as itching, yellowish discoloration of eyes and skin, and dark coloured urine.
Amlodipine is effective at lowering blood pressure and should be taken regularly as directed by your doctor. In addition to medications, blood pressure should always be monitored and any changes should be informed to your doctor. High blood pressure may not produce symptoms, so continue taking your antihypertensives even if you are feeling well.
Jorge is a health blog author who has been writing about nutrition, fitness and healthy living for over 10 years. He also loves to run, hike and bike with her wife.
