Amodip Plus Tablet 5/12.5mg Tablets

Amlodipine with hydrochlorothiazide is a combination used to treat high blood pressure. Using two medicines that work in different ways can lower blood pressure more than either one alone.

• Amlodipine is a calcium-channel blocker. It relaxes and widens blood vessels so blood flows more easily.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water tablet). It helps the kidneys remove extra water and salt.

Lowering high blood pressure reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day at the same time.

• You can take it with or without food. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop unless your doctor tells you to.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take two doses together.
• Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down to avoid feeling dizzy.
• Follow any advice on salt or potassium in your diet.

Common side effects include:

• swollen ankles, feet or legs
• headache, dizziness, flushing or a fast heartbeat
• peeing more often
• tummy pain, feeling sick, diarrhoea or loss of appetite
• tiredness

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• dry mouth, strong thirst, weakness, confusion, muscle cramps or a fast heartbeat (salt or water imbalance)
• eye pain or sudden changes in vision
• swelling of the face, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, or blistering or peeling skin
• severe tummy pain that spreads to the back, or chest pain
• unusual bleeding, bruising or signs of infection

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• are allergic to sulfa medicines
• have low blood pressure, heart failure, a recent heart attack or heart valve disease
• have kidney or liver disease, diabetes, gout, lupus or high cholesterol
• take simvastatin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, colestyramine or colestipol, rifampicin, antifungals, some HIV medicines or other blood pressure medicines

Your doctor may check your blood pressure and blood salts regularly.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Sun and skin: hydrochlorothiazide can make skin more sensitive to sunlight and may raise the risk of some skin cancers. Use sunscreen and protective clothing, and report new skin changes.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Alcohol: alcohol can make dizziness and low blood pressure worse.

Driving: do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy or sleepy.