Product Information
Registration Status: ActiveEXFORGE TABLET 5MG/160MG is approved to be sold in Singapore with effective from 2008-02-28. It is marketed by NOVARTIS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD, with the registration number of SIN13417P.
This product contains Valsartan 5mg, and Amlodipine 160mg in the form of TABLET, FILM-COATED. It is approved for ORAL use.
This product is manufactured by Novartis Pharma Stein AG in SWITZERLAND, andNovartis Farmaceutica SA in SPAIN.
It is a Prescription Only Medicine that can only be obtained from a doctor or a dentist, or a pharmacist with a prescription from a Singapore-registered doctor or dentist.
Description
Valsartan is an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) that may be used to treat a variety of cardiac conditions including hypertension, diabetic nephropathy and heart failure. Valsartan lowers blood pressure by antagonizing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS); it competes with angiotensin II for binding to the type-1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1) subtype and prevents the blood pressure increasing effects of angiotensin II. Unlike angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, ARBs do not have the adverse effect of dry cough. Valsartan may be used to treat hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and diabetic nephropathy. It may also be used as an alternative agent for the treatment of heart failure, systolic dysfunction, myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease.
Indication
May be used as a first line agent to treat uncomplicated hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. May be used as a first line agent to delay progression of diabetic nephropathy. Losartan may be also used as a second line agent in the treatment of congestive heart failure, systolic dysfunction, myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease in those intolerant of ACE inhibitors.
Mechanism of Action
Valsartan is an ARB that selectively inhibits the binding of angiotensin II to AT1, which is found in many tissues such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal glands. This effectively inhibits the AT1-mediated vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II and results in a decrease in vascular resistance and blood pressure. Valsartan is selective for AT1 and has virtually no affinity for AT2. Inhibition of aldosterone secretion may inhibit sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys while decreasing potassium excretion. The primary metabolite of valsartan, valeryl 4-hydroxy valsartan, has no pharmacological activity.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Absolute bioavailability = 23% with high variability.
- Distribution
- * 17 L (low tissue distribution)
- Metabolism
- Valsartan is excreted largely as unchanged drug (80%) and is minimally metabolized in humans. The primary circulating metabolite, 4-OH-valsartan, is pharmacologically inactive and produced CYP2C9. 4-OH-valsartan accounts for approximately 9% of the circulating dose of valsartan. Although valsartan is metabolized by CYP2C9, CYP-mediated drug-drug interactions between valsartan and other drugs is unlikely.
- Elimination
Clearance
* 2 L/h [IV administration] * 4.5 L/h [heart Failure patients receiving oral administration 40 to 160 mg twice a day]
Active Ingredient/Synonyms
(S)-N-Valeryl-N-{[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl}-valine | N-(P-(O-1H-Tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl)-N-valeryl-L-valine | N-pentanoyl-N-{[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-L-valine | Valsartan |
Source of information: Drugbank (External Link). Last updated on: 3rd July 18. *Trade Name used in the content below may not be the same as the HSA-registered product.
Description
Amlodipine is a long-acting 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It acts primarily on vascular smooth muscle cells by stabilizing voltage-gated L-type calcium channels in their inactive conformation. By inhibiting the influx of calcium in smooth muscle cells, amlodipine prevents calcium-dependent myocyte contraction and vasoconstriction. A second proposed mechanism for the drug’s vasodilatory effects involves pH-dependent inhibition of calcium influx via inhibition of smooth muscle carbonic anhydrase. Some studies have shown that amlodipine also exerts inhibitory effects on voltage-gated N-type calcium channels. N-type calcium channels located in the central nervous system may be involved in nociceptive signaling and pain sensation. Amlodipine is used to treat hypertension and chronic stable angina.
Indication
For the treatment of hypertension and chronic stable angina.
Mechanism of Action
Amlodipine decreases arterial smooth muscle contractility and subsequent vasoconstriction by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels. Calcium ions entering the cell through these channels bind to calmodulin. Calcium-bound calmodulin then binds to and activates myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Activated MLCK catalyzes the phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain subunit of myosin, a key step in muscle contraction. Signal amplification is achieved by calcium-induced calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine receptors. Inhibition of the initial influx of calcium decreases the contractile activity of arterial smooth muscle cells and results in vasodilation. The vasodilatory effects of amlodipine result in an overall decrease in blood pressure. Amlodipine is a long-acting CCB that may be used to treat mild to moderate essential hypertension and exertion-related angina (chronic stable angina). Another possible mechanism is that amlodipine inhibits vascular smooth muscle carbonic anhydrase I activity causing cellular pH increases which may be involved in regulating intracelluar calcium influx through calcium channels.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Amlodipine is slowly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are reached 6-12 hour following oral administration. Its estimated bioavailability is 64-90%. Absorption is not affected by food.
- Distribution
- Metabolism
- Hepatic. Metabolized extensively (90%) to inactive metabolites via the cytochrome P450 3A4 isozyme.
- Elimination
Toxicity
Gross overdosage could result in excessive peripheral vasodilatation and possibly reflex tachycardia. Marked and probably prolonged systemic hypotension up to an including shock with fatal outcome have been reported.
Active Ingredient/Synonyms
(RS)-3-ethyl 5-methyl 2-[(2-aminoethoxy)methyl]-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate | 3-Ethyl 5-methylester, (±)-2-[(2-aminoethoxy)methyl]-4-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate | 3-Ethyl-5-methyl (+-)-2-(2-aminoethoxymethyl)-4-(O-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate | Amlodipine | Amlodipine free base | Amlodipino | Amlodipinum | Amlodipine |
Source of information: Drugbank (External Link). Last updated on: 3rd July 18. *Trade Name used in the content below may not be the same as the HSA-registered product.